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Organization works to address minority underrepresentation in Alzheimer’s research
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Us Against Alzheimer’s recently launched an engagement strategy to establish a national network of diverse researchers, patients, caregivers and stakeholder groups to address the underrepresentation of blacks and Latinos in neurological research.
“Alzheimer’s is ravaging our communities,” Stephanie Monroe, executive director of Us Against Alzheimer’s African-Americans Against Alzheimer’s network, said in a press release. “Its rising economic costs, the toll imposed on those afflicted with and caring for those with the disease, and the loss of productivity demand more research geared to better understanding of how to prevent, treat and ultimately cure this disease.”
The program is partially funded by a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute Eugene Washington Engagement Award 4192-USAA.
An advisory panel of black and Latino individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, caregivers, community and faith leaders, Alzheimer’s disease researchers and primary care providers serving minorities will develop an online network to facilitate future minority research engagement and knowledge sharing.
Further, program funding will go toward two flagship conventions in 2017 and 2018, focusing on patient-centered outcomes in research. The 2017 meeting will take place in Washington, D.C. in October.
A series of webinars will be used to identify community-based research priorities and establish a minority stakeholder network to inform, promote and facilitate inclusion and underrepresentation in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia research.
“Given the tremendous public health risk that Alzheimer’s and dementia poses to Latino families, it is essential to develop community-based approaches and partnerships that enable researchers, health professionals, policymakers and families to better understand and address these conditions,” Jason Resendez, project co-lead and executive director of the Latinos Against Alzheimer’s Network and Coalition, said in the release. “Brain health must be a priority for a rapidly aging Latino community.”