IDRF seeks to improve the quality of life for everyone. Current epidemiological studies suggest that African Americans have the highest prevalence rate of  Alzheimer’s disease followed closely by Hispanics.  Unfortunately these minority populations often are unaware of their risk for developing dementia and do not have a clear understanding of dementia as a disease. IDRF has teamed up with EWI Technologies of Research Triangle Park, North Carolina to develop "Risk Assessment Software tool. This project is in its infancy stage and continued  development will require additional funding. Please click to learn more about this project:

Dementia Assessment Tool Software Project

Currently members of the IDRF team are involved have developed a number of studies looking at both the behavioral and genetic correlates of Alzheimer’s disease in African Americans.  Additionally, this research has been published in numerous scientific journals.

 About Dementia (Presentation by Dr. Stephanie Johnson)

Current Studies:

Dr. Goldie S. Byrd  North Carolina A&T in collaboration with Duke University Medical Center,  Genetics of Alzheimer’s Disease in African Americans. 

Dr. Christopher Edwards at Duke University Medical Center:  Clinical Trial.  

Dr. Stephanie Johnson, Johns Hopkins Medical Institution:  Stressful Life Events and Cognitive Change in African Americans.

Publications:

Edwards, C.L., Johnson, S., Goli, V., Byrd, G. (2005). Extending the science beyond medication: In response to”Treatment of Chronic pain in persons with Dementia: An Overview” by Robert N. Rubey, MD, MA. American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias, 20(3), 139-140.

LaBar, K., Torpey, D.C., Cook, C.A., Johnson, S.R., Warren, L.H., Burke, J.R., Welsh-Bohmer, K.  (Submitted).  Emotional Enhancement of Perceptual Priming is Preserved in Aging and Early Stage Alzheimer’s Disease.

Edwards, C.L., Johnson, S. & Feliu, M. (2003). Diversity and Cultural Competence, Part 2: Issues of Practical Conceptualization and Implementation. North Carolina Psychologist, 55 (6), 1-13

Edwards, C.L., Feliu, M., & Johnson, S. (2003). Diversity and Cultural Competence, Part 1: The Struggle for Definition and Meaning. North Carolina Psychologist, 55 (5), 12-13.