Approximately 13.8 million South Carolinians are expected to have Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias by 2060.
September 24, 2024 | Erin Bluvas, bluvase@sc.edu
Evidenced by decades-long essential resources like the South Carolina Alzheimer’s Disease Registry (1988) and the Dementia Dialogues® program, the University of South Carolina has been a hub for healthy aging – and particularly brain health – research for many years, and it continues to grow its reach and expertise. From the CDC-funded Healthy Aging Research Network and Healthy Brain Research Network to the Gerry Sue and Norman J. Arnold Institute on Aging, the statewide Brain Health Network launched in 2023, and the state-funded Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, USC leadership in aging and brain health has roots that grow alongside the increasing lifespans of our aging population.
“As the Palmetto State’s flagship institution of higher education and a Carnegie R1 research university, it is part of our mission to work on solutions to the challenges facing our state, and healthy aging is a major one,” says USC Vice President for Research Julius Fridriksson, who is internationally renowned for his research on aphasia recovery. “We know that our neighbors from minority communities and those in rural and underserved areas suffer more from aging-related health issues and have a harder time accessing care. That’s why it’s so important for USC to develop a diverse group of researchers to expand this vital work. This award will help us do that.”
Now – in both a nod to USC’s existing expertise and a boost to its future growth –
the National Institutes of Health has selected one of the university’s foremost aging
and health communication researchers as the recipient of a National Institute on Aging
K07 Academic Leadership Career Award. Daniela Friedman, professor of health promotion, education and behavior (HPEB) and interim associate dean for research in the Arnold School of Public Health,
will use the grant to expand USC’s capacity in these areas even further.
“I am very fortunate to be embarking on this initiative with brilliant and collaborative senior advisors across the U.S., faculty colleagues, and community and statewide partners who have influenced my life and career,” Friedman says. “This award is a testament to sustained partnerships and synergy of ongoing and growing collaborative aging and brain health work in the Arnold School with the School of Medicine, College of Social Work, College of Nursing and many others across the university and state.”
Over the next five years, Friedman, health services policy and management and Center for Applied Research and Evaluation research assistant professor Lauren Workman (lead evaluator) and research associate Brooks Yelton (research coordinator) will leverage this collaborative network and its mentorship-rich environment to increase the diversity of scientists who conduct research on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Though Alzheimer’s disease is a national public health issue that afflicts nearly seven million Americans over the age of 65, Black and Hispanic individuals have a higher risk for this disease than whites.
I am very fortunate to be embarking on this initiative with brilliant and collaborative senior advisors across the U.S., faculty colleagues, and community and statewide partners who have influenced my life and career.
To improve the efficacy of programs and services provided to disproportionately affected populations, more researchers are needed from underrepresented and minority groups. This K07 award will support the launch of SHARE (Scholars in Health and Alzheimer’s Research for Equity), an equity-driven training and mentorship program that prepares early-career scientists to address how social determinants of health influence disparities and outcomes related to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in these communities.
After a competitive application process, early-career faculty members will benefit from research education/training and expertise of interdisciplinary faculty, visiting scientists and community leaders. This is an initiative for which Friedman is profoundly experienced and deeply committed, as evidenced by the success of four federally funded research training (e.g., Carolina Center on Alzheimer's Disease and Minority Research) and capacity-building initiatives she has developed and implemented with colleagues across the U.S., the Breakthrough Leadership in Research Award she received in 2023, and the many students and faculty she has mentored over the years.
For example, Shaun Owens is an HPEB alumnus Friedman has worked with on health and cancer communication research as well as through the Office for the Study of Aging, which she co-directed from 2016 to 2022. Today, Owens is an associate professor in the College of Social Work and director of the Healthy Aging Research and Technology (HART) Lab. He recently received his own K01 Award to develop technology-based programs that enable rural African Americans with Alzheimer’s disease to age-in-place.
Owens and many other advisors, senior scientists, faculty and partners will contribute their talents and wisdom to the program. In a letter of support for the project, leaders from government agencies, nonprofit organizations and faith-based wellness programs echo the need for an aging research workforce that focuses on the social determinants of health to advance health equity. They also expressed their support and confidence in the success of this collaborative endeavor.
Approximately 13.8 million South Carolinians are expected to have Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias by 2060.
“We are delighted to see Dr. Friedman and team’s dedication to health equity and social
determinants, as the social side of these issues can lose emphasis when competing
for grant dollars, yet social drivers contribute to significant disparities in dementia
among our most vulnerable communities,” says Taylor Wilson, Director of Government Affairs for the Alzheimer’s Association South Carolina Chapter.
“We look forward to supporting this important and timely work and engaging the faculty
scholars who will be collaborating with integral community organizations on these
research initiatives.”
This academic leadership career award is a boost for the university, a boost for the state, and a boost for the projected 13.8 million individuals (and their caregivers) who are expected to have Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias by 2060.
“The burgeoning network of brain health researchers at USC not only enhances our understanding of neurological conditions but also translates into practical strategies for prevention, diagnosis and treatment,” says Tara Sabo-Attwood, dean of the Arnold School. “This progress helps communities, bridging gaps in health care and improving the quality of life for countless individuals in the state of SC and beyond. Through her exceptional ability to inspire and develop emerging leaders, I am thrilled that Dr. Friedman’s commitment to fostering growth and excellence to advance individual careers in the neurological sciences has been recognized by the academic community and NIH.”