Expanding Diversity, Equity in Alzheimer's Research

In a time when our nation’s attention is focused on diversity, inclusion and equity, it is important to know that, like Covid, Alzheimer’s Disease disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic Americans. According to 2021 study published by the Alzheimer’s Association, evidence indicates that, while more whites suffer from Alzheimers because of their greater numbers, approximately 18.6% of Blacks and 14% of Hispanics over age 65 are afflicted by the disease as compared to 10% of whites. The reasons believed to contribute these higher risks, include differences in health-related behaviors, medical conditions and socio and economic risk factors. However, for decades Alzheimer’s research has not included underrepresented minority populations, also including Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. In order to conduct research that will result in advances benefitting all the people of this country, it is urgent that the participation in clinical trials truly represents the population of the United States. Thus it is necessary that diverse populations, in representative numbers, be engaged, recruited and retained in Alzheimer’s research and clinical trials.

To address this need, Congress has introduced the Equity in Neuroscience and Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials (ENACT) ACT, bipartisan legislation that would expand education and outreach to minority populations, encourage diversity of clinical staff and reduce the burden of participation in clinical trials, thus increasing such participation and ensuring the efficacy and equity of future prevention of and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Please join me and the Alzheimer’s Association in thanking 6th District Representative Lucy McBath for supporting the ENACT Act and in asking 5th District Representative Nikema Williams as well as all Congressional Representatives and our Senators from Georgia to support the ENACT Act.

Sarah H. Adams

Alzheimers Association/AIM Ambassador