Engaging Native Elders in Alzheimer's and Dementia Research

Recruitment and Engagement Core

NIH-funded research Washington State University · NIH-11173679

This project works with American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander elders to build trusted, community-led ways to join Alzheimer's and related dementia research.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pullman, United States)
Project IDNIH-11173679 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

From your perspective, the team partners directly with tribal and NHPI community leaders to shape outreach and enrollment so it fits local values and needs. They create culturally respectful materials, train staff in community-centered approaches, and offer flexible ways to join and stay in studies. The core also gathers participant feedback and adjusts strategies to make research participation easier and more acceptable for elders aged 65 and older.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are American Indian, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults aged 65 or older who live in participating communities and are open to taking part in dementia-related research.

Not a fit: People younger than 65, those who are not AI/AN or NHPI, or those who live far from participating partner communities are unlikely to benefit directly from this core's outreach activities.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, more Native elders could take part in dementia research, helping studies reflect their health needs and improving future diagnosis and care for their communities.

How similar studies have performed: Community-engaged and participatory approaches have helped boost recruitment in other underrepresented groups, but AI/AN and NHPI participation in Alzheimer’s research remains low, so this core adapts recommended strategies to a largely unmet need.

Where this research is happening

Pullman, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.