Dementia and Disparities Lab | Neurology Research

Under the direction of Oanh Meyer, Ph.D. the Dementia and Disparities Lab seeks to discover how best to address existing disparities in dementia, dementia care, and other issues facing older adults and their families. As our population ages and becomes increasingly diverse, we need to understand the ways that individual and social factors influence those with dementia and their family caregivers. The goal for Meyer and her team is to translate research into culturally appropriate, community-based interventions that will help those suffering from dementia and their family caregivers.

Vietnamese Insights into Aging Program (VIP)

The Vietnamese Insights into Aging Program (VIP) is a pioneering research initiative aimed at understanding the impact of sociocultural factors on cognitive aging in the Vietnamese American community. The program focuses on how stressful life events, such as early life adversity, trauma, and depression, can affect aging and memory issues. VIP also includes measures of resilience, social support, and spirituality. It seeks to address the under-researched aspects of cognitive aging in this population, particularly those at risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The program is a collaboration between researchers from UC Davis and UC San Francisco, as well as community partners, with a total enrollment of 548 participants in Northern California. The research aims to provide a better understanding of cognitive aging and the mechanisms of disease in the Vietnamese American community, contributing to the broader field of aging research. 

This study is funded by the National Institute on Aging.

Characterizing Dementia Caregiver Stress and its Far-Reaching Impacts

This study takes an in- depth look at novel factors associated with caregiver burden and stress in a diverse sample of individuals caring for a family member with cognitive impairment. A variety of sociocultural and contextual factors, beginning in early life (e.g., adversity) may impact caregiver burden and stress. This study aims to determine the role of these factors on caregiver stress, burden, depression, and physical health. We also explore the impact of caregiver health and mental health on care recipient outcomes.

This study is funded by the Alzheimer’s Association.

• Sierra Heuer
• Vanessa Dang
• Benji Hoang
• Vincent Pham