2024 Health Disparities, Policy and Ethics in Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Research (HPE-ADRD)

Developing a Primary Care Algorithm for Black American Dyads/Families

Can a novel strategy improve health care for Black Americans with dementia and their caregivers?

Kalisha Johnson, Ph.D.
Emory University
Atlanta, GA - United States

Background

According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2024 Facts and Figures report, Black Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s and other dementias as White Americans. Black Americans and their caregivers also experience challenges in receiving quality dementia care from primary care providers (PCPs). For example, research indicates that primary care doctors are often reluctant to discuss dementia care with their patients. This lack of communication often leaves Black dementia caregivers feeling unequipped to make the best care decisions for their loved ones. To address this issue, researchers are exploring ways to develop PCP-led health care strategies that are more effective and better tailored to Black Americans. 

Research Plan

Dr. Kalisha Johnson and colleagues will allocate their research grant to developing such a healthcare strategy. First, the team will recruit a small number of Black American caregiver dyads (the person with dementia and their caregiver), as well as PCPs, nurses, medical assistants and members of the local community. This group will collaborate to develop a primary care algorithm (or series of steps) for improving communication between PCPs and Black caregivers, and for facilitating better overall care for Black Americans with dementia. Features of the algorithm will include culturally sensitive questions that can help medical professionals determine care strategies. Once the algorithm is developed, it will be tested on a group of 30 Black American caregiving dyads and their PCPs. The effectiveness of the strategy will be measured using questionnaires that assess qualities like ease of use and cultural acceptability.   

Impact

Dr. Johnson’s project could shed new light on the effectiveness of dementia primary care in the Black American community. It could also identify a novel tool for improving that care.