Equity in Alzheimer's Clinical Trials

While nearly everyone is likely to be familiar with Alzheimer’s disease because of its skyrocketing prevalence, many people don’t realize that it disproportionately affects older Black and Hispanic Americans. As an advocate with the Alzheimer’s Association who is passionate about health equity, I am proud to be a voice for all affected by dementia.

Black Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s and Hispanic Americans are one and a half times more likely to develop the disease. However, much of the Alzheimer’s research to date has not included sufficient representation from the Black, Hispanic, Asian American/Pacific Islanders and Native American communities. While Congress, including my Representative Chuy Garcia, has been instrumental in significantly increasing funding for Alzheimer’s and dementia research over the past several years, there is an urgent need to ensure that underrepresented populations participate in clinical trials to ensure everyone benefits from advances in Alzheimer’s science.

As a constituent from the Logan Square community, I am calling on Congressman Garcia to be a leader on this issue and cosponsor the Equity in Neuroscience and Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials (ENACT) Act. This vital effort would help address shortcomings in the way research and care is being delivered to diverse populations, which would help people NOW, while we continue to search for an effective prevention or treatment.

I ask that you join me in requesting our legislator, Rep. Garcia, support the ENACT Act so we can reduce health disparities in Alzheimer’s clinical trials. Congress must continue to make this disease a priority so one day we can celebrate a World Without Alzheimer’s and All Other Dementia! For more information, please visit www.alzimpact.org.