Webinar Examines Historical Inequities in Clinical Trials for Blacks

Free Webinar Examines Historical Inequities in Clinical Trials for Black Americans in Honor of Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month, the Alzheimer’s Association is offering a free live webinar “Alzheimer’s & Dementia Conversations: Changing the Face of Research” on February 1 at 3:30 p.m. ET.

The one-hour webinar will feature a robust discussion on the historical inequities in clinical trials and their lasting impact on Black Americans and other underrepresented populations. The webinar will examine health disparities among underserved populations. Panelists will include Dr. Reuben Warren, Director Tuskegee University National Center for Bioethics in Research and Healthcare, Reverend Dr. Ann Marie Bentsi-Addison Posey, Senior Director of Faith Based Initiatives, New York City Health and Hospital Corporation and Reverend Dr. Miriam J. Burnett, Medical Director, International Health Commission, African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) Church.

“In order to create a path toward a more equitable future for all, it is extremely important that we build health equity for underserved populations including Black Americans,” said Teresa Galbier, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Rochester Finger Lakes chapter. “During this webinar potential strategies will be shared for improving clinical trial participation.”

According to the 2021 Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures report, nearly two-thirds of Black Americans (62%) believe that medical research is biased against people of color. A history of exclusion from clinical trials and a lasting history of discrimination from the medical establishment, including but not limited to the infamous Tuskegee syphilis study, contribute to high levels of mistrust of clinical trials among Black Americans.

“We know that Alzheimer’s disease disproportionately affects Black older Americans,” said Dr. Carl V. Hill, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, Alzheimer’s Association. “We are committed to continue engaging underrepresented communities by providing education and resources to address the disproportionate impact of Alzheimer’s and dementia. This is critical in finding a treatment or diagnostic that may affect these populations.”

Recently, the key provisions of the bipartisan Equity in Neuroscience and Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials (ENACT) Act, were included in the fiscal year 2023 (FY23) budget. This legislation will help increase the participation of underrepresented populations in Alzheimer’s and other dementia clinical trials by expanding education and outreach to these populations, encouraging the diversity of clinical trial staff, and reducing participation burden.

Currently, there are more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, with more than 410,000 in New York state. Among Black Americans age 70 or older, more than 1 in 5 (21%) are living with Alzheimer’s.

To register, visit “Alzheimer’s & Dementia Conversations: Changing the Face of Research”.

The Alzheimer's Association is the trusted resource for reliable information, education, referral and support to millions of people affected by the disease. To learn more, visit alz.org