5 Questions for…Paola Gilsanz
Kaiser Permanente Division of Research staff scientist Paola Gilsanz, ScD, is exploring the reasons for the unequal distribution of dementia risk among genders and ethnic groups.
Kaiser Permanente
Division of Research Spotlight
The Kaiser Permanente Division of Research conducts, publishes, and disseminates epidemiologic and health services research to improve the health and medical care of Kaiser Permanente members and society at large. We seek to understand the determinants of illness and well-being, and to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of health care. Currently, DOR’s 550-plus staff is working on more than 350 epidemiological and health services research projects.
Traumatic Brain Injuries Associated with Increased Dementia Risk in People with Type 1 Diabetes
As people with type 1 diabetes age, new research from Kaiser Permanente shows how traumatic brain injury could be a risk factor for their developing dementia.
Early Adversity, Birthplace Contribute to Lifelong Racial Disparities in Dementia Risk
Two studies presented by Kaiser Permanente researchers Rachel Whitmer, PhD, and Paola Gilsanz, ScD, at an Alzheimer’s conference in July found that early life adversity and birthplace contribute to racial disparities in dementia rates, and that these disparities persist even among the oldest of the elderly.
Major New Study to Demonstrate Value of PET Scans in Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
By Ann Wallace, Senior Communications Specialist, Division of Research A new, $100 million, four-year study will determine the clinical usefulness and value in diagnosing Alzheimer’s and other dementias through a brain positron emission tomography (PET) scan that detects amyloid plaques,…
Depression Increases Risk of Dementia in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Depression in patients with diabetes is associated with a substantively increased risk of development of dementia compared to those with diabetes alone, according to Andrew Karter, PhD and Rachel Whitmer, PhD. The researchers collaborated with the University of Washington on…
Heavy smoking doubles risk of Alzheimers or vascular dementia
The first study to look at the long-term effects of heavy smoking on dementia risk found that heavy smoking – two packs or more a day — in midlife more than doubles the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or vascular…
