Engaging underserved communities in Alzheimer's research
Health Disparities Engagement Core
This program helps people from high-risk and underserved communities find and join Alzheimer's and dementia research studies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P30 center grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11382465 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You can join a research registry run by the core that helps refer you to Alzheimer's and dementia studies. The team works with local clinics and community groups to reach people with less education, multiple health problems, or limited access to care. They train researchers on better ways to invite, enroll, and keep diverse participants in studies. The core also gathers information about barriers to participation so future research can be more inclusive.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Older adults at higher risk for Alzheimer’s—especially those from underserved or rural communities, with less formal education, multiple health conditions, or limited access to care—who are willing to join a registry or be contacted about studies.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical treatment or a guaranteed personal medical benefit should not expect direct therapeutic benefit from joining the registry or engagement activities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could give underserved patients more chances to join research, access screening opportunities, and shape studies that address their needs.
How similar studies have performed: Community-engagement programs and research registries have previously improved enrollment of underrepresented groups in Alzheimer’s research, though long-term retention and full representation remain challenging.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balls-Berry, Joyce E. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Balls-Berry, Joyce E.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.