Remuneration and Recruitment of Study Participants for AD Cohort Studies From the General Public and From Minority Communities

Current practices by Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers to remunerate research participants

INTRODUCTION

Recent guidance from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) recommends remuneration for all Alzheimer's disease (AD) research participants. Given AD research recruitment challenges, we assessed the remuneration practices at Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (ADRCs).

METHODS

We surveyed 37 ADRCs about remuneration for longitudinal research participants. This included type of remuneration (i.e., compensation, reimbursement) and which study procedures are remunerated. We had a 100% response rate.

RESULTS

Most ADRCs (32/37) provide some remuneration but amounts and types varied. Most ADRCs reimburse for travel or food (n = 29), compensate for some study procedures (n = 32), but most do not remunerate study partners (n = 12) or offer financial incentives (n = 8). Few (n = 6) ADRCs pay for all procedures.

DISCUSSION

Two areas for potential change are compensating for annual clinical and cognitive assessments that are compulsory, and for study partners. Evaluation of the impact of remuneration on recruitment and retention is needed, including for underrepresented groups.

HIGHLIGHTS

Recent guidance recommends remuneration for Alzheimer's disease research participants. We surveyed all Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers about their remuneration practices. Most centers provide some form of remuneration to participants but this is variable. Potential areas for change are remuneration for study partners and annual study visits. Evaluating the impact of remuneration on recruitment and retention is needed.

COVID-19 pandemic's relationship with enrollment at US Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to characterize the COVID-19 pandemic's relationship with enrollment in US Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (ADRCs).

METHODS

Using data on 10,105 participants from 30 ADRCs, we conducted interrupted time series analyses to assess the relationship of the pandemic with enrollment and calculate projected dates of enrollment recovery.

RESULTS

Participants enrolled during the pandemic (vs pre-pandemic) were more likely to have dementia and be referred by health professionals. The pandemic was associated with a 77% drop in enrollment, with projected trend recovery in March 2024 and 100% recovery in September 2024. COVID was associated with a 91% drop in Black/African American participants, compared to 71% in White participants. Enrollment of both Hispanic and female participants was declining 1.4% and 0.3%/month pre-pandemic.

DISCUSSION

Funders and researchers should account for ongoing COVID-19 impact on ADRD research enrollment. Strategies to speed enrollment recovery are needed, especially for Black/African American and Hispanic groups.

HIGHLIGHTS

Tested COVID pandemic association with enrollment at Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers. During versus pre-pandemic enrollees differed on demographic and clinical variables. Interrupted time series analyses: immediate 77% drop in enrollment related to COVID. Recovery projections: trend recovery in March 2024, 100% recovery in September 2024. Enrollment of African American and Hispanic participants should be prioritized.