Health disparity is not just the difference in disease prevalence between two groups of people, but the severity and rate of progression of the disease. With a mean age of 47.7 years (range from 30 to 64), our study cohort is not a sample of a geriatric population. However, in the three neighborhoods revisited thus far, we observed significant decline in the health status of some participants. This unanticipated decline in the health status created a logistical challenge to daily study operations. We have developed an evaluation tool to assess participants’ abilities to give informed consent and navigate the logistical challenges associated with examinations on the MRV. The tool is administered on the phone by the nurse practitioner or physician. The primary goal is to determine participants’ abilities to compensate for a specific physical limitation so the staff can accommodate the participant.
