The Michigan Center for Contextual Factors in Alzheimer's Disease (MCCFAD) builds on excellent existing programs addressing health inequalities within the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University. It has a unique, specific and targeted emphasis on social and behavioral factors related to Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). The long-term goals of this Center are: 1) to advance Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD)-relevant social and behavioral science research in underserved and underrepresented communities and 2) diversify the research workforce dedicated to healthy aging. In the tradition of minority aging, we will address unique and specific issues in the contemporary cases of racial/ethnic minorities, with an emphasis on African Americans, Arab Americans and Latinos. The Center activities will promote the systematic study of the contexts in which memory loss is experienced to better elucidate the sociocultural, economic and behavioral contributors to and consequences of health disparities. We include three priority areas of ADRD: epidemiology, health economics, and culturally sensitive care to address the complexity of ADRD and ultimately eliminate disparities. MCCFAD's long-term goal is to eliminate ADRD disparities through research findings, mentorship, community links and increased numbers of behavioral and social scientists from underrepresented backgrounds.
The Center's four Cores are: Administrative (AC), Research and Education (REC), Analytic (AnC), Community Liaison and Recruitment (CLRC). The Project Coordinator (PC) will coordinate and facilitate communication between all Core components, working with all Core Leads, Co-Leads, Area Experts, Community Liaisons and Pilot Research Scientists. The Coordinator should have familiarity with and ability to reach out to minority communities, especially the Arab American communities, and will assist in day-to-day operations of the Center.