NOMAS is the first study of its kind to focus on stroke risk factors in whites, blacks, and Hispanics living in the same community. It is helping to fill gaps in our knowledge of stroke epidemiology in minority populations. Until now, there has not been sufficient research of Hispanic communities and their risks for stroke and heart disease, and NOMAS strives to provide that needed resource of knowledge and prevention. The broad focus of the study is to investigate environmental and genetic markers for stroke, subclinical disease measures of the carotid arteries and brain, and predictors of vascular cognitive impairment and decline. A good understanding of these factors will be of importance in predicting stroke, myocardial infarction, vascular disease, and determining cognitive decline among the aged and multiethnic populations.
NOMAS provides a vital source of support and clinical information for the Hispanic, black, and white community. As the Hispanic or Latino community continues to grow, such information becomes ever more relevant. The study has already made great advances in the understanding, prevention, and treatment of stroke. Analysis of the results continues at both the University of Miami and Columbia University while follow up activities are ongoing at Columbia University.
The Northern Manhattan Study is funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Grant # R37 NS029993
