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Project 1

Prospective (2-year) cohort study of Puerto Rican older adults

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Project Collaborators

We will investigate both baseline and 2 year prospective associations between psychosocial stressors and allostatic load; and in turn, allostatic load and functional decline, specifically depression, cognitive decline and physical disability; along with the role of social support, and vitamin intake and status in modifying these associations.

Project 2

Sociological Investigation of Psychosocial Stressors and Their Measurement

Project Leader

Project Collaborators

Using both qualitative and quantitative methodology, we will gain contextual understanding of the sources of stress in this population that relate to allostatic load, and will adapt instruments for its measurement.

Project 3

Strategies to Modify Allostatic Load in Hispanic Elders

Project Leader

Project Collaborators

Using subsets of the baseline study, we will investigate the effectiveness of two different 2-year interventions in reducing indicators of allostatic load. Each is designed to be feasible for expansion by community agencies if effective. These include: 1) vitamin supplementation;  and 2) social support and participation.

Project 4

Investigation of Genetic Contributions to Allostatic Load

Project Leader

Project Collaborators

We will explore the relationship between selected gene variants and allostatic load, at baseline and with change over time; and will investigate the interaction between gene variants and responses to the differing nutrition and social interventions

The Bone Study

Associations between Stress and Inflammation, Nutritional Status, Gene-Nutrient Interactions and BMD and Markers of Bone Turnover

Project Leader

Project Collaborators

We are conducting a cross-sectional study, at the end of 2 year follow-up interview, to examine associations between stress and inflammation, nutritional status, gene-nutrient interactions and BMD and markers of bone turnover in Puerto Rican adults enrolled in the Boston Puerto Rican study. The aims of the study are 1) Assess the status of BMD in a group of Boston Puerto Rican adults, aged 52-77 y (2 y after initial contact), 2) Investigation of the relationship between stress, inflammation and bone, 3) Investigation of dietary contributors to bone, and 4) Investigation of genotype associations and gene-environment interactions with bone.