Research Symposium

BIO

Tiana Baker is a second-year Behavioral Neuroscience student at Florida State University, minoring in Child Development and Computer Science. She has been passionate about advancing research in neurodevelopment and preventative approaches to neurodegenerative diseases since seeing her godfather, a close family friend, be diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Through her current involvement in a UROP project focused on Alzheimer’s patients and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, she has developed an interest in health disparities, public health communication, and aging populations. Tiana also conducts research in Dr. Sheffler's Lab at The Center for Translational Behavioral Science. In her free time enjoys playing pickleball and traveling, and her long-term goal is to pursue an MD with a focus on neurology, integrating her interests in neuroscience, clinical care, and community health.

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and The Influence of ADRD Stage on Acceptance Among Patients and Caregivers

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD), yet vaccine hesitancy remains prevalent. This study examines how ADRD severity influences vaccine uptake among patients and caregivers. Using data from the All of Us (AoU) Researcher Workbench, through a mixed-methods approach, including a literature review and statistical survey analysis. Preliminary results suggest that vaccine hesitancy increases as ADRD progresses, particularly in moderate to severe stages. Caregiver factors such as trust in healthcare providers, access to medical information, and healthcare disparities strongly influence decision-making. These findings highlight the need for targeted caregiver education and public health strategies to improve vaccine uptake in ADRD populations. This research provides actionable insights for policymakers and healthcare practitioners, aiming to enhance equitable vaccine access and healthcare delivery for vulnerable populations.

Keywords: COVID-19 Vaccine, Alzheimer's, Dementia, ADRD, MCI