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

Abstract

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%) (Ps < .05). Discussion: Strategies to increase Black older adult participation in AD research may include disseminating additional study information and return of results.