Many studies have linked childbearing to a lower risk of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia later in life. But in a new study, UAB sociologists found that early-life factors, including a woman’s socioeconomic status in adolescence, accounted for the apparent pregnancy-cognitive connection.

A focus on applying sociology to practical work projects, cutting-edge data analysis and supportive faculty make this one of the nation’s top online graduate programs in the field. In this article, faculty explain what sets it apart and two UAB employees/alumni share how they are using its lessons in their work.  

David Rogers, M.D., chief wellness officer for UAB Medicine, wrote “Frontline Healthcare Leadership” for employees in challenging, high-stress jobs. Its insights can help any Blazer contribute to making UAB an even better place to work, be healed and learn.

The UA System Board of Trustees awarded the rank of Distinguished Professor to Robert Brunner, Yogesh Dwivedi, Helen Krontiras, Cora Elizabeth Lewis, David M. Morris and Michele H. Nichols and the rank of University Professor to Marie Bakitas, Mirjam-Colette Kempf, Verna Keith, Michael Neiderweis and David Vance during its meeting in April 2024.

Research on financial stress following the Great Recession finds that people who were in debt at midlife had a 90 percent increase in being diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder.