Written by Timaya A. Williams, BS candidate, Webster University, and participant in the 2024
Institute for Public Health Summer Research Program
This summer, I had the opportunity to work on a research project led by Susy Stark PhD, that was based on a previous study called Falls: a marker of preclinical Alzheimer disease. The study examines the relationship between falls and preclinical Alzheimer’s disease. We investigated the relationship between fall risk variables and socioeconomic disadvantage, as prior research has shown that falls are associated with preclinical and symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals from disadvantaged neighborhoods are at an increased risk for progressing from preclinical Alzheimer’s disease to symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease.
I also attended seminars delivered by WashU’s Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging and the Participation, Environment, and Performance Laboratory. Professors Dorina Kallogjeri, MD, MPH, and Jay F. Piccirillo, MD presented lectures on research methodologies and statistics. Having a Bachelor of Science requires me to be familiar with research ethics and statistics- both of which are difficult and rewarding. I liked the lectures because they provided an excellent overview and prepared me for what is expected in preparing my senior thesis.
The Friedman Center presentations informed me about a broad variety of topics, like Parkinson’s disease and Parkinsonism, the two types of strokes, the rehabilitation process, types of dementias, the significance of Alzheimer’s disease research, the numerous types of funds awarded by the National Institutes of Health to the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center, as well as various types of research throughout WashU. I also was able to attend lab sessions for fall prevention. I am thrilled to be presenting the results of my research project at the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center’s Annual Pre-Alzheimer Association International poster session and the Institute for Public Health Summer Research Program – Aging and Neurological Diseases Track poster symposium. This experience has given me a valuable understanding of the aging process and the significance of studying aging and Alzheimer’s disease among older individuals. I am confident that my acquired material will be valuable in my future career.