Community-Engaged Research With Latino Dementia Caregivers: Overcoming Challenges in Community Advisory Board...

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Community-Based Participatory Research
• Gerontology

Background:

• Hispanic/Latino populations exhibit the highest prevalence of caregiving for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD).
• Underrepresentation of Latino communities in ADRD research limits access to evidence-based interventions.
• Challenges in establishing and sustaining Community Advisory Boards (CABs) hinder research inclusivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe strategies for addressing challenges in establishing and maintaining CABs within Latino communities.
• To enhance the capacity of Latino CAB members to engage in ADRD research.
• To improve research participation and outcomes for Latino caregivers of individuals with ADRD.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive training program was developed for nine Latino CAB members, including older caregivers.
• Training focused on health research methods, ethics, cognitive health, and cultural adaptation.
• Pre- and post-training assessments measured knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding ADRD research; satisfaction surveys were also administered.

Main Results:

• The training program was positively received by CAB members.
• Participants demonstrated increased knowledge of dementia symptom management, risk factors, and treatments.
• CAB members showed improved attitudes toward research, including greater willingness to participate in clinical trials and enhanced understanding of subject protection.

Conclusions:

• Formalized training in research conduct, ethics, and health literacy is effective in overcoming barriers to CAB establishment and maintenance.
• Optimizing CAB impact can help address critical gaps in research on older Latino ADRD caregiving.
• Empowering CAB members enhances their role in advancing ADRD research within their communities.