Differences in Motivators, Barriers, and Incentives between Black and White Older Adults for Participation in Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarker Research

Introduction The study aimed to identify strategies to increase older Black adults’ participation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarker research studies. Methods 399 community-dwelling Black and White older adults (age ≥ 55) who had never participated in AD research completed a survey about their perceptions of AD research involving blood draw, MRI, and PET. Results Although most participants expressed interest in AD biomarker research (Black participants: 63.0%, White participants: 80.6%), Black participants were significantly more hesitant than White participants (28.9% vs 15.1%), were more concerned about study risks, (30.8% vs. 11.1%) and perceived multiple barriers to participating in brain scans. Lack of information was perceived as a barrier to participation across groups (45.8%) and return of study results was perceived as a participation incentive (78.9-85.7%) ( P s < .05). Discussion Strategies to increase Black older adult participation in AD research may include disseminating additional study information and return of results. Declaration of Interest None of the investigators have a conflict of interest. JE receives support from VA IK HX002283, NIA P30AG072976, and NIA P30AG010133. AJP receives support from NIA (NIA U01 AG057195) and Alzheimer’s Association (LDRFP-21-818464). SW receives support from multiple NIA grants (K23AG062555, P30AG072976, P30AG010133, and R21AG074179) and the VA for clinical services. She receives book royalties from APPI and DSMB consultant fees (total less than $2000/year). AJS receives support from multiple NIH grants (P30 AG010133, P30 AG072976, R01 AG019771, R01 AG057739, U01 AG024904, R01 LM013463, R01 AG068193, T32 AG071444, and U01 AG068057 and U01 AG072177). He has also received support from Avid Radiopharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Eli Lilly (in kind contribution of PET tracer precursor); Bayer Oncology (Scientific Advisory Board); Eisai (Scientific Advisory Board); Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. (Dementia Advisory Board); Springer-Nature Publishing (Editorial Office Support as Editor-in-Chief, Brain Imaging and Behavior).