Editor: Most people know that Alzheimer’s disease impacts a person’s memory, but they might not realize that it disproportionately affects older Black and Hispanic Americans compared with older Whites. Black Americans are about two times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s, and Hispanic Americans are about one and a half times more likely to develop the disease.
Despite this, research projects have not included sufficient numbers of Blacks or Hispanics. This under-representation hinders research and limits our understanding about how an approved drug or diagnostic tool may affect the populations most likely to need them. There is an urgent need for more diversity in current and future research projects to ensure that advances in Alzheimer’s science benefit everyone.
Congress is currently considering the Equity in Neuroscience and Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials (ENACT) Act. This bipartisan legislation would increase the participation of underrepresented populations in Alzheimer’s clinical trials by addressing existing shortcomings in existing research systems and processes.
I want to thank Congressman Jason Crow for showing his support for the ENACT Act by cosponsoring the bill. I ask the other members of our state’s congressional delegation to join him. We must do better, and we can do better. Thank you Congressman Crow for putting those words into action for Coloradans living with Alzheimer’s.
Thank you so much for including this important editorial in your publications!
— Deb Wells, via letters@sentinelcolorado.com