Responding to the Call: Building a Training Program to Diversify the Academy in Alzheimer's Disease Research

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) are at the forefront of the United States (US) public health agenda due to their tremendous human and financial burden. Further, disproportionately high ADRD rates among racial/ethnic minorities require incorporating the unique perspectives of racially and ethnically diverse scientists, which will necessitate diversifying the scientific workforce that investigates disparities in aging. The purpose of this paper is to describe the training and mentorship initiatives of the National Institute on Aging (NIA)-funded Carolina Center on Alzheimer's Disease and Minority Research, emphasizing lessons learned from our engagement with underrepresented minority and minoritized (URM) Scientists. We highlight three aims of the Center's training and mentorship component: (1) Fund pilot projects for URM Scientists conducting research on sociocultural, behavioral, and environmental factors that influence ADRD-related health disparities; (2) Provide mentorship to build the research capacity of Center Scientists; and (3) Offer research education in Health Disparities and Minority Aging Research to Center Scientists and interested researchers at all partner institutions. Our experience may be a practical resource for others developing interdisciplinary training programs to increase the pipeline of URM Scientists conducting ADRD research.

Highlighting the value of Alzheimer’s disease-focused registries: lessons learned from cancer surveillance

“…Currently, the Carolina Center on Alzheimer's Disease and Minority Research (CCADMR; P30 AG059294), a National Institute on Aging (NIA)-funded center dedicated to increasing the capacity of underrepresented and minority (URM) scholars, is working to advance the science of ADRD research focused on population health and determinants of ADRD disparities through research education in population-based, secondary data analysis, interdisciplinary co-mentoring teams, well-established strategies for recruitment of AD-RCMAR Scientists, and education on Health Disparities and Minority Aging Research. The SC Alzheimer's Disease Registry is a key data source for CCADMR Scientists (Ingram et al, 2021;Johnson et al, 2022).…”

Using meta‐research to foster diverse, equitable, and inclusive collaborative research networks

“…While moderate progress has been made to promote collaboration and encourage the development of URM researchers studying aging, diversity among this research workforce has remained low 13,20 . Creating a scientific workforce to match a rapidly diversifying population is a key priority in the field of aging research 6,7 . However, while the population served by researchers studying aging has been rapidly diversifying (between 2016 and 2060, the 65+ population that is non‐Hispanic white is projected to drop from 61% to 44%), 21 the scientific workforce, especially leadership, has not seen a similarly rapid shift toward diversity.…”

“…4,5 To improve research quality and better serve a rapidly diversifying population, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) has set ambitious strategic goals to support research infrastructure and promote diversity among the research workforce studying aging. 6,7 To this end, significant investment has been placed into the establishment of mentorship and training programs to develop URM practitioners and researchers studying aging. 8,9 Similarly, to promote collaboration and bolster research in target areas, the NIA continues to invest significant funding to establish and maintain research consortia.…”

Reflections on Mentorship From Scientists and Mentors in an Alzheimer’s Disease Focused Research Training Program

“…Diversification of ADRD researchers can lead to an increase in the participation of racially and ethnically diverse populations in aging and ADRD research (Babulal et al, 2019). Training programs that focus on increasing URM participation in ADRD research offer an opportunity to unearth culturally relevant methods and programs aimed at reducing URM disparities (Croff et al, 2020; Ingram et al, 2021). Moreover, training programs that are part of a multi-center network ( i.e., programs consisting of multiple institutions), can prepare scholars for early career success by increasing opportunities for large-scale ADRD-focused projects, grant submissions, networking, and career advancement (Croff et al, 2020).…”

“…Upon selection and invitation to be part of the CCADMR, scientists are asked to complete a Scientist Agreement Form that outlines milestones, deliverables, timelines, and expectations. Details include formulating a career development plan, submitting progress reports, attending monthly seminars, and developing a manuscript based on project findings (Ingram et al, 2021). Mentors also complete a Mentor Agreement Form.…”