The Data Management and Statistics Core provides integrated, state‑of‑the‑art support for the collection, organization, analysis, and sharing of research data across the New Mexico Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Through two closely linked programs—the Data Management Program and the Statistics Program—the Core ensures that high‑quality data drive discovery, collaboration, and training.
The Data Management Program oversees the accurate, timely, and secure handling of all Center data, including clinical assessments, brain‑donor information, neuroimaging, and other research materials. The program ensures that all data meet national quality and compliance standards prior to submission to national coordinating centers. The program also works closely with national repositories to coordinate the sharing of blood samples, DNA, and associated reports.
Key functions include:
The Statistics Program provides high‑quality analytical and methodological expertise to support researchers, trainees, and collaborators across disciplines. Services include guidance on study design, statistical methods, sample size and power, data analysis and interpretation, and support for grants, abstracts, and manuscripts. The program also assists investigators in accessing and using data from the NM ADRC, affiliated programs, national repositories, and public datasets.
In addition, the Statistics Program develops and supports advanced analytical tools, including:
The Data Management and Statistics Core works seamlessly with all NM ADRC components, enabling coordinated research that advances understanding of vascular and inflammatory contributions to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, particularly in underrepresented communities across New Mexico.
Through close collaboration with Center Cores and national data and research programs, the Data Management and Statistics Core supports both local innovation and national priorities in Alzheimer’s disease research, helping accelerate discovery and translation across the field.
Aim 1: Provide a comprehensive data management program that supports the scientific and operational goals of the New Mexico Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.
This includes capturing, maintaining, and securely storing high‑quality participant‑level data; enabling user‑friendly access to de‑identified datasets; tracking available biospecimens; and supporting new scientific collaborations. Regular reporting will promote transparency, performance monitoring, and accountability across the Center.
The NM ADRC is committed to respectful, ethical partnerships with Tribal communities. Tribal partners—including Zuni and Acoma Pueblos, Albuquerque Indian Health Service, and First Nations Community Health Source—are engaged throughout the research process and retain full ownership of their data. All research products using Tribal data are reviewed by Tribal leadership, and individual‑level Tribal data will not be shared with national repositories until data‑sovereignty–aligned protocols are fully established.
Aim 2: Deliver high‑quality statistical and analytic support to advance the Center’s scientific, training, and career‑development goals.
Services include study and clinical trial design, data analysis and interpretation, hypothesis testing, and support for manuscripts, abstracts, and grant applications. The Statistics Program also provides mentorship and training to help investigators and scholars build advanced analytical skills.
In collaboration with other Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers, external partners, and national data repositories, the program will foster new partnerships, promote responsible data use, and support national research priorities, including those outlined in the National Alzheimer’s Project Act.
Aim 3: Create and support new analytical tools to better understand risk, progression, and heterogeneity in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
These efforts include advanced statistical, computational, and mathematical approaches—such as machine learning and artificial intelligence—applied to clinical data, neuroimaging, and fluid biomarkers.
By integrating these methods with Center data, the program will accelerate discovery, improve data harmonization and image analysis, and uncover complex relationships among clinical, biological, imaging, and demographic factors that influence dementia development and progression.
