An Integrated Thesis Examining Risk Factor Profiles, Vascular and Neurodegenerative Brain Changes, and Cognitive Outcomes

Dementia is a growing public health concern linked to co-occurring modifiable risk factors. However, risks are often studied in isolation, with limited attention to how exposure timing affects brain and cognitive outcomes. This thesis examined how modifiable risk factors relate to structural brain changes and cognitive functioning in later life, focusing on cumulative burden and exposure timing. This integrated thesis includes two manuscripts using National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center data. Study 1 examined whether the cumulative burden of modifiable risk factors was associated with cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative markers, global cognition, clinical severity, episodic memory, and semantic fluency. Study 2 examined whether current versus past risk exposure differentially related to these outcomes. Greater cumulative risk burden and currently active risk states were linked to worse outcomes, highlighting the importance of considering both cumulative risk and exposure timing to inform approaches for managing modifiable risk factors and preserving brain health in aging populations.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Master's

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Grantor dc:publisher

Carleton University

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Khudair, Tamara

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © 2026 the author(s). Theses may be used for non-commercial research, educational, or related academic purposes only. Such uses include personal study, distribution to students, research and scholarship. Theses may only be shared by linking to the Carleton University Institutional Repository and no part may be copied without proper attribution to the author; no part may be used for commercial purposes directly or indirectly via a for-profit platform; no adaptation or derivative works are permitted without consent from the copyright owner.

Language dc:language.iso

en

DOI

10.22215/etd/2026-17139

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:carleton.scholaris.ca:20.500.14718/45296