What is the purpose of this study?Social determinants of health are nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes. Adverse social determinants of health negatively affect high risk populations who are at greater risk of dementia and other medical diseases. Just as important is the concerning fact that these high risk populations often do not take part in research studies that look to create treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. This is why the Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Neurology in collaboration with the Indiana Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center look to understand what the barriers are that diminish engagement with research, as well as motivating factors to participate in a study. This understanding will help us develop strategies that will increase interest levels in research participation and eventually develop new therapies for Alzheimer’s disease.¿Cuál es el propósito de este estudio?Los determinantes sociales de la salud son factores no médicos que influyen en los resultados de salud. Estos determinantes afectan negativamente a las poblaciones de alto riesgo, que presentan un mayor riesgo de demencia y otras enfermedades. Igualmente importante es el preocupante hecho de que estas poblaciones de alto riesgo a menudo no participan en estudios de investigación que buscan desarrollar tratamientos para la enfermedad de Alzheimer y las demencias relacionadas. Por ello, el Departamento de Neurología de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Indiana, en colaboración con el Centro de Investigación de la Enfermedad de Alzheimer de Indiana, busca comprender las barreras que disminuyen la participación en la investigación, así como los factores que motivan la participación en un estudio. Este conocimiento nos ayudará a desarrollar estrategias que aumenten el interés en la participación en la investigación y, con el tiempo, desarrollen nuevas terapias para la enfermedad de Alzheimer.

Why is this study being done?The goal of this study is to better understand how preferences for sweet flavors affect dietary habits, heart and metabolic health. Who can take part?We are looking for Black/African American and Latine adolescents (ages 12-18) who consume sugary sodas and their families (only one parent/guardian can participate). Participants must also be able to attend study visits at the Nutrition Research Center on either IU Indianapolis or IU Bloomington campus or Purdue University (West Lafayette).

We are looking for people of all ages, regardless of health condition, to take part in a study that is looking for new treatments for bone and muscle disorders.Bone and muscle disorders are the leading cause of disabilty in the United States. Researchers want to find out more about how people are affected by aging, injury, disease and illness. Your participation will help advance the diagnosis and treatment of bone and muscle disorders.