Introduction: Lack of racial and ethnic minority representation in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) research studies leads to inaccurate trial results and health outcomes disparities. This study examines barriers to ADRD research participation in under-studied Filipino American participants and explores the potential of low-field magnetic resonance imaging (LF-MRI) to mitigate these barriers.
Methods: We utilized GIS mapping to analyze demographic differences across geographic distances from Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (ADRCs) in the United States. The number of visits in racial and ethnic minority populations was examined using regression analysis of participant data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC). Surveys and interviews were conducted with researchers and participants from the University of California, San Francisco Memory and Aging Center to identify barriers and explore LF-MRI's potential to increase Filipino American participation. We conclude with recommendations for LF-MRI implementation in ADRD research.
Results: Location-based analysis demonstrates that LF-MRI may help diversify ADRD research participation by offering portable, cheap imaging modalities in satellite locations. Moreover, many racial and ethnic minority populations, particularly Asians, are underrepresented and less likely to have multiple ADRC visits compared to non-Hispanic and White individuals. Interviews and surveys identified participation barriers, including navigation, scheduling, fear of MRI, health-related stigma, and discomfort with conventional MRI procedures. It also suggested that LF-MRI may offer increased portability, reduced costs, improved physical comfort, and less anxiety. Additionally, researchers identified barriers to implementation, including lack of efficacy and reliability data for advanced imaging requirements, and logistical, privacy, and staff bandwidth concerns.
Discussion: These findings contribute to improved understanding of clinical research participation barriers among racial and ethnic minority populations. LF-MRI implementation was explored as a potential way to mitigate these barriers. Future research should address scientific and infrastructural limitations and explore ways to leverage the benefits of LF-MRI in advancing diversity in ADRD research.
Highlights: Racial and ethnic minorities in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) research are underrepresented, including Asians.Expanding ADRD research access for Asian and minority groups needs broader outreach.Many minority populations are located beyond the typical travel distance from Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (ADRCs).low-field magnetic resonance imaging (LF-MRI) may address comfort, cost, accessibility, and geographical barriers.LF-MRI implementation may lead to an increase in research participation.
Keywords: ADRCs; ADRD research; and Asian American populations; inequality; low‐field MRI; minority populations; underrepresented populations.
© 2025 The Author(s). Alzheimer's & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Alzheimer's Association.