Migration Effects on Cognition: Protocol for the Aging in Kerala Americans Research Study.

Asian American people represent the fastest growing population group in the United States but are typically aggregated in national studies, masking potential health disparities.

• Asian American groups are described as 'highly diverse linguistically, culturally, and demographically'
• Aggregation of Asian American groups in most national studies masks potential health disparities
• Racial and ethnic minorities, especially first-generation immigrants, are at 'particularly elevated risk of cognitive impairment'

The AKKARE study proposes to enroll 400 older first-generation Kerala American individuals from the tristate area.

• Target enrollment is 400 first-generation Kerala American older adults
• Participants are recruited from the tristate area
• A subset of 360 participants will complete blood tests
• A smaller subset of 160 participants will complete neuroimaging studies

The AKKARE study will assess both positive and negative migration effects on cognition and dementia in first-generation Kerala Americans.

• The study aims to examine 'both positive and negative migration effects on health'
• Domains assessed include cognitive function, mood, and quality of life
• The study assesses migration effects from 'epidemiological, biological, and vascular perspectives'
• Immigration and cultural effects as well as social relations will be examined as factors

The AKKARE study will conduct longitudinal follow-up assessments at 12-month intervals for up to 5 years.

• Follow-up assessments are planned at 12-month intervals
• The follow-up period extends for up to 5 years
• The study was funded by the US National Institutes of Health in 2024 under grant #1R01AG084567-01
• IRB approval was received from Stony Brook University Institutional Review Board to start the study in 2025
• Enrollment began in September 2025

There is currently a lack of fundamental data on the epidemiology of aging diseases in Indian American immigrants.

• The authors state 'there is presently a lack of fundamental data on the epidemiology in diseases of aging in Indian American immigrants'
• The AKKARE study is intended to 'provide new insights into factors of risk and resilience associated with cognitive impairment' in this group
• Findings are expected to have relevance to the 'broader older adult population' beyond Indian Americans