Alzheimer’s Disease Clinical Trials: Addressing Diversity Disparities
Clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease have long struggled with issues of diversity and representation, particularly among populations at higher risk for the disease. A recent study conducted by researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC sheds light on why certain groups are underrepresented in these trials.
The study focused on the use of a new and improved blood test, p-tau217, which is more accurate in detecting early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Elevated levels of p-tau217 are closely linked to the buildup of amyloid in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease pathology. Participants from African American, Hispanic, and Asian backgrounds were found to be less likely to have elevated amyloid based on their p-tau217 levels, indicating a lack of early signs of the disease.
These findings have significant implications for clinical trials, as eligibility for many Alzheimer’s disease treatment studies is contingent on the presence of elevated amyloid. The study revealed that individuals from non-Hispanic white backgrounds were more likely to meet the criteria for inclusion in clinical trials compared to other racial and ethnic groups. This disparity highlights the importance of understanding how Alzheimer’s disease progresses across different populations.
The results of the study, published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring, underscore the need for more inclusive research practices in Alzheimer’s disease studies. In response to these findings, the researchers have launched the Amyloid Plasma Extension Study (APEX) to further investigate the trajectories of blood markers in diverse populations over time.
The study also raises questions about the factors driving dementia risk in different racial and ethnic groups. While amyloid is a key biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease, the researchers suggest that other sociodemographic and genetic factors may also play a role in determining risk. By expanding their analysis to include a larger and more diverse group of participants, the research team aims to gain a deeper understanding of Alzheimer’s disease risk across populations.
Ultimately, the goal of this research is to develop more effective prevention therapies that can address the needs of all individuals at risk of dementia. By identifying the factors that contribute to dementia risk in diverse populations, researchers can pave the way for more personalized and targeted treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.
This study highlights the importance of addressing diversity disparities in Alzheimer’s disease research and underscores the need for more inclusive and representative clinical trials. By understanding the unique challenges and risk factors faced by different populations, researchers can work towards more effective strategies for preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease.
