Data Management and Statistical Core

Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Project Summary: Data Management and Statistical Core The Data Management and Statistical Core (DMSC) is aligned to support the Oregon ADRC’s two overarching aims: (1) to focus on early detection of change to define mechanisms supporting healthy brain aging and the transition to MCI and early dementia, and (2) to facilitate developing effective therapies to prevent or mediate these transitions, with an emphasis on diverse and other historically under-represented research populations, including under-served Black/African Americans (AA), the oldest old, and isolated older adults (those living alone or in rural communities). Fostering research directed toward the pre-symptomatic to early MCI spectrum, risk factors of dementia among the oldest old and novel treatments for patients and caregivers, the OADRC’s DMSC supports an array of investigations ranging from statistical modeling of longitudinal biomarker data to real-time change detection through automated in-home activity sensor assessments. This research is optimally conducted as team science including strong collaborative efforts with all center cores, and both internal and external investigators. As such, since 1990, the DMSC’s success has been the direct result of strong collaborations with the other OADRC Cores, our affiliated research community, as well as the larger community of ADRCs nationwide. The DMSC integrates foundational data generated by the Clinical Core, and supplemented by cross-core collaboration of relevant data with Biomarker, Neuroimaging, Neuropathology, and DTC Core, together with support of ORE and Admin Core using data dashboards to generate regular feedback on rates of recruitment and retention, representation of under-represented groups in research, cohort demographics and diagnoses, and data requests. In this exceptionally cooperative and interactive environment, the OADRC DMSC is required to ensure the integrity of the data coming from multiple sources, provide prompt distribution of customized data sets, as well as provide thoughtful and appropriate statistical analyses and consultations for a wide range of researchers. Within this context and in response to the RFA, the DMSC’s Specific Aims are to: 1. Continuously optimize and maintain a functional longitudinal research database to share our data 2. Collaborate with the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) and related centers 3. Provide data analysis and biostatistical consultation 4. Provide an enriched environment that increases statistical knowledge for trainees, early-stage investigators and OADRC affiliates.