06/01/2021
By Tahani Boumenna

The Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health, invites you to attend a doctoral dissertation defense.

Candidate name: Tahani Boumenna
Title: “Risk Factors for Cognitive Decline in Boston Area Puerto Ricans”
Date: Tuesday, June. 15, 2021
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Location: This will be a virtual defense via Zoom. Those interested in attending may contact Natalia_Palacios@uml.edu.

Committee members:

  • Advisor: Natalia Palacios, Department of Public Health, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • David Kriebel, Department of Public Health, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Kathrine L. Tucker, Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Jong-Soo Lee, Department of Public Health, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Brief Abstract:

According to the World Alzheimer Report (2015), over 46 million individuals across the globe have dementia, with the number expected to double by 2050. Hispanics, and particularly Puerto Ricans, are at increased risk of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease compared to non-Hispanic Whites. The causes of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are not well understood. Diet is thought to play an important role in the maintenance of cognitive function and prevention of dementia. There is evidence that low plasma vitamin B-12 and folate, as well as an imbalance of high folic acid and low vitamin B-12 status, may be associated with worse cognitive function. Other factors, such as adherence to the healthy dietary patterns, such as Mediterranean, the Dietary Approach to Systolic Hypertension (DASH) and the Mediterranean-Dash Intervention for neurodegeneration delay (MIND) diets, have been associated with better cognitive function. In addition, potential metabolites such as Trimethylamine N oxide (TMAO), generated by gut microbial metabolism of choline, carnitine, and betaine, are emerging as potential exposures of interest for Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline. Identifying risk factors for cognitive decline in older Puerto Rican adults could be particularly important for dementia prevention.