Alumna Zahra Rahemi Receives NIH Award to Study End-of-Life Decision Making in ADRD Patients

Zahra Rahemi, Ph.D. ‘17, RN, associate professor in the Clemson University School of Nursing, was awarded more than $650,000 in funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to examine the end-of-life decision making processes of caregivers and individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) across minority populations.

The five-year project titled, “Exploring Advance Care Planning Among Older Adults Across Racial, Ethnic, and Cognitive Differences Using Data Science,” will use advanced statistics and explainable artificial intelligence (XAI), along with Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and HRS Linked-Medicare data, to conduct this research. Results from the study will provide nuanced evidence on the interactions between various factors and racial disparities in end-of-life care for minority older adults with or at risk of ADRD and their caregivers.

“By leveraging advanced data science techniques, this research aims to address critical gaps in end-of-life care for these underserved populations,” shared Dr. Rahemi. “This study highlights opportunities for research and interventions for minority ADRD populations to inform policy and clinical practice that seek to improve end-of-life care via the adoption and implementation of advance care planning.”

Her interest in the project stems from the growing need to find individual, cultural, familial and environmental factors to enhance advance care planning among older adults, especially for persons with ADRD, using interdisciplinary and innovative methods.

“Advance care planning is not a culturally accepted norm or practice among many immigrants and diverse populations,” explained Dr. Rahemi. “Health research in this field is essential to improve end-of-life care for diverse older adults.”

Dr. Rahemi will spearhead a team of researchers across various disciplines at Clemson University, University of Pennsylvania, Rutgers University, University of California San Francisco, University of Michigan and University of South Carolina.

In addition, this project will complement Dr. Rahemi’s recent $200,000 grant from the Alzheimer’s Association to evaluate advance care planning practices between patients, caregivers and physicians.

During her time at Florida Atlantic, Dr. Rahemi developed her passion for geriatric nursing. Under the supervision of two experienced researchers who specialize in studying the aging process, Drs. Christine Williams and Ruth Tappen, Dr. Rahemi soared and contributed to numerous publications.

“It was a milestone in my career,” shared Dr. Rahemi. “Drs. Williams and Tappen provided such incredible support and mentorship during my Ph.D. program.”

Dr. Rahemi was also deeply grateful for Dr. Lynn Dunphy, her dissertation committee chair, and Dr. Lisa Wiese, a peer mentor who provided continued guidance throughout her Ph.D. program at Florida Atlantic, as well as in her faculty position at Clemson University.

As for current College of Nursing students who are aspiring researchers and leaders, Dr. Rahemi shared some parting advice: “Seek out experienced mentors at Florida Atlantic who can guide you in your research and career development. A good mentor will help you navigate challenges, provide valuable feedback and connect you with opportunities to enhance your skills and profile.”

Dr. Rahemi is an active member of several organizations, including: the Clemson University Institute for Engaged Aging, the Center for Research on Health Disparities, the Clemson University School of Health Research and the Clemson-MUSC AI Hub. She is also a member of the Gerontological Society of America, the Alzheimer’s Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment and the Southern Gerontological Society.