Vanderbilt Alzheimer's Disease Research Center: ORE

Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville TN

Investigators

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY – OUTREACH, RECRUITMENT, & ENGAGEMENT CORE The Vanderbilt Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (VADRC) Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement (ORE) Core is designed to increase participation and inclusion in VADRC studies, which characterize the intersection of vascular burden on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD) at the cellular, systems biological, and population levels. The ORE Core aims to serve the Nashville, Middle Tennessee, and broader community by developing community partnerships, increasing equitable access to research opportunities, and disseminating resources and education. The ORE Core will contribute to the VADRC’s mission and national ADRC program efforts by improving equitable representation, engagement, and cross- cultural interactions in ADRD research. We will continue to build strong community partnerships through our Community Advisory Council and community focus groups, with a focus on centering their perspectives in the prioritization, design, and implementation of VADRC activities. The ORE Core will continue to advocate for ADRD research participation and recruit new participants to our Clinical Core and affiliated studies. Recruitment strategies will include (but are not limited to) community-based events, print and digital media, and a clinic-based referral pipeline. Importantly, given the higher burden of both ADRD and vascular risk factors among Black/African American older adults, with disparities even more pronounced in our local region, all engagement and recruitment efforts will have a special focus on increasing engagement with ADRD research in the local Black/African American community. All participant engagement, recruitment activities, and outcomes will be tracked in real time using our Participant Information and Tracking Coordination Hub tool. This tool will allow the ORE Core to easily facilitate referrals to other investigator-initiated studies and clinical trials. The ORE Core will provide educational programming and support structures for the community, including educational seminars focused on vascular risk and ADRD detection, community screening programs for memory concerns and vascular risk factors, and support groups for individuals and families impacted by ADRD. Finally, the ORE Core will offer programming within the VADRC to improve the cultural humility and cross-cultural interactions of all staff, faculty, and trainees.