Author: Joseph Saenz, PhD

Dr. DeAnnah Byrd is an Assistant Professor in CIHRA who examines risk and protective factors for cognitive decline and dementia in older adults, particularly African Americans. Dr. Byrd's research shows that cardiometabolic risk factors such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity are associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.

Unfortunately, these conditions are also more prevalent in African Americans. Fortunately, there is a lot we can do to prevent these cardiometabolic risk factors. Her work suggests that we need innovative interventions that are tailored to African American communities to reduce risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease and its risk factors.

See more of Dr. Byrd's publications here.