Toward More Inclusive ADRD Research: Engaging with Middle Eastern/North African Older Adults in the U.S.

Date and Time

Sept. 12, 2024 | 1:00-2:15 p.m. ET

Webinar Recording

Presenters

Laura Zahodne, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Psychology
University of Michigan

Kristine Ajrouch, Ph.D.
Research Professor, Research Center for Group Dynamics at the Institute for Social Research
University of Michigan

Webinar Description

Enhanced inclusion of racially/ethnically minoritized groups in research on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) is critical for understanding disease processes and translating research into practice. Newly recognized as a distinct racial/ethnic group by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) older adults within the U.S. have been virtually absent from the ADRD research landscape. This webinar provided a research program overview focused on MENA older adults in Southeast Michigan, home to the largest and most visible concentration of MENA individuals in the U.S. Specific topics included lessons learned in community engagement, Arabic translation of neuropsychological measures, population-representative data collection, and biomarker collection. Including MENA individuals in ADRD research presents both challenges and opportunities and will advance knowledge of life course contexts that create and sustain ADRD inequalities.

Contact Information

Please contact Damali Martin for questions about the webinar.

MHHD Webinar Committee Members:

• Dallas Anderson, Division of Neuroscience
• Damali Martin, Division of Neuroscience
• Maryam Ghaleh, Division of Neuroscience
• Camille Pottinger, Division of Neuroscience
• Nell Foret, Division of Neuroscience
• Tayona Pearson, Division of Neuroscience