A recent study has shed light on the crucial role of trust in researchers when it comes to encouraging older adults to participate in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) biomarker research. The research, which surveyed 399 older adults with no prior research experience, found that high levels of trust were a significant factor in reducing hesitancy to take part in studies, even after considering age, education, race, and knowledge of ADRD.
Participants who exhibited greater trust were more open to undergoing procedures like brain scans, blood draws, and genetic testing. They also expressed a stronger interest in receiving personal results from memory and brain imaging tests. Conversely, those with lower levels of trust were more likely to express concerns regarding privacy and the risks associated with research procedures.
Interestingly, the study revealed that simply having more knowledge about ADRD did not necessarily translate to increased willingness to participate. Instead, trust emerged as an independent and vital factor in influencing participation. Offering personal health results was found to be more effective in encouraging participation among individuals with higher levels of trust, while incentives such as travel vouchers or standard lab results had minimal impact.
These findings, recently published in the journal “Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Behavior & Socioeconomics of Aging,” underscore the importance of cultivating trust between researchers and communities to boost participation in studies essential for advancing early detection and treatment of ADRD. By fostering transparent communication and establishing strong community partnerships, researchers can accelerate progress in developing effective therapies.
For more information, the study titled “Association between trust of researchers and willingness to participate in Alzheimer’s disease biomarker research” can be accessed in the journal “Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Behavior & Socioeconomics of Aging” (2025) with a DOI of 10.1002/bsa3.70024.
This research was provided by the Regenstrief Institute, and further details can be found on their website at www.regenstrief.org.
Overall, the study highlights the critical role of trust in driving participation in ADRD research and emphasizes the need for ongoing efforts to build trust and rapport within communities for the advancement of early detection and treatment strategies.
