Data Management and Statistical Core

University Of Pittsburgh At Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

Data Management and Statistical Core (DMSC) Abstract: The DMSC facilitates research and collaborations with local Alzheimer’s disease (AD) researchers, national initiatives, and others by providing high quality data management and methodological support. The University of Pittsburgh Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (PITT-ADRC) has compiled a database that includes information collected longitudinally for 5345 participants since its inception in 1985. The DMSC works with PITT-ADRC personnel to maximize data completeness and accuracy. Currently, the PITT-ADRC database is undergoing a modernization by transitioning to Redcap to better align with NACC and other ADRCs and beginning utilizing the Flywheel system for broad data sharing. Further, the DMSC has developed a real-time dashboard for utilization by the Clinical Core and Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement Core, to track participant enrollment demographics and allow nimble adjustment of recruitment and clinical resources. To contribute to the educational mission of the PITT-ADRC, and to encourage wider dissemination of PITT- ADRC data, DMSC personnel created and manage the PITT-ADRC website (adrc.pitt.edu) that provides information to the general public and research community. The ADRC site was developed with a custom WordPress Theme and includes a plugin architecture that gives users access to the PITT-ADRC events, news, staff and faculty listing, clinical trials and general AD-related information. The website also provides information to the research community, including data dictionaries, available data, data and biospecimen request forms and toolkits for interested researchers. DMSC continues to support researchers by preparing reports, creating datasets used for analyses, providing programming and analytical consultation and support, and serving as Honest Broker to obtain protected data. DMSC personnel are available for assistance and collaborations concerning data management, study design, study implementation, data analysis, and data presentation. Furthermore, the DMSC’s Methodology Working Group (MWG) serves a training mission and provides a forum for developing and sharing innovative methodologies relevant to AD research. The MWG includes senior and early career methodologists, spanning a wide range of statistical expertise, from across the University of Pittsburgh who are interested in AD research, several of whom have utilized PITT-ADRC data. The overarching goal of the MWG is to foster further methodologic work, to expand DMSC abilities to collaborate with ADRC researchers, and to serve as a hub for training and mentoring the next generation of AD researchers. The MWG model promotes multidisciplinary research with the capability to further our understanding of AD etiology and pathogenesis to help drive the development of effective therapies.