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

Community Memory Screenings to Increase Inclusion in ADRD Research

Can community-based strategies increase Alzheimer’s awareness and research inclusion?

Kelsie Full, PhD
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, TN - United States

Background

According to the 2024 Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures Report, older Black Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s and other dementias as older White Americans. Older Black adults are at greater risk for misdiagnosis, late diagnosis, and worse dementia outcomes compared to older White adults. Black individuals have also been historically underrepresented in Alzheimer’s research. 

In the southeast United States, Black communities experiences high rates of Alzheimer’s and other risk factors that exacerbate cognitive decline. However, the true prevalence of Alzheimer’s in these communities may be underestimated. Dr. Kelsie Full and colleagues believe community-engaged research is necessary to understand the prevalence of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s risk. Dr. Full’s team partnered with the Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer’s Center (VMAC) Community Advisory Council (CAC) to pilot a community-based memory screening program in Middle Tennessee. Now, the researchers will build on that pilot by expanding and implementing a comprehensive screening program that prioritizes inclusivity to enhance understanding of the Alzheimer’s risk and burden in Middle Tennessee.

Research Plan

Dr. Full and colleagues will engage with individuals in the Middle Tennessee community to increase Alzheimer’s knowledge and risk awareness, especially in populations that have been historically underrepresented in Alzheimer’s research. They will continue to partner with the VMAC CAC to expand the pilot program to provide a comprehensive screen for cognitive and functional impairment and other Alzheimer’s risk factors. The team will also use educational presentations and post-event feedback sessions to increase knowledge in the local Black community. In addition, the researchers will study the true prevalence of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s risk in Middle Tennessee.

Impact

This project may lead to more equitable representation in Alzheimer’s research, greater community awareness of Alzheimer’s risk, and ultimately contribute to the development of effective strategies to address health disparities in Tennessee.