Advancing Brain Health Equity in Puerto Rico: Highlights of the First “Puerto Rico Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Research Symposium”

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundADRD is a major public health concern in Puerto Rico (PR) due, in part, to a rapidly aging population with high cardiovascular risk and admixed genetics. Although ADRD research has been slowly growing, systemic barriers, such as mass migration of scientists and socioeconomic inequalities, make research efforts increasingly difficult in the island. Compared to other Hispanic/Latinos in U.S. mainland, Puerto Rican Hispanic/Latinos in the territory remain less represented in ADRD research. Therefore, we held the first “Puerto Rico Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Research Symposium” in February 2023 with the aims of 1) enhancing knowledge, skills, and intellectual support for ADRD researchers, and 2) developing a blueprint for ADRD research policy.MethodApproximately 120 participants attended the 2‐day symposium in Ponce, PR. We held sessions showcasing local ADRD research, plenary sessions covering topics on grant and manuscript writing skills, building collaborations, applying research for advocacy, and the role of academia in ADRD research. In facilitated group discussions, participants identified challenges to advancing brain health research in PR in terms of goals, investigator support, dissemination, and public policy, as well as potential solutions. Emerging themes and next steps were considered during a plenary discussion at the end of symposium.ResultAcademic‐institutional barriers (e.g., lack of full‐time positions, career development opportunities, and mentoring) were identified as major challenges to research production in PR. Investigator‐level barriers identified were lack of research tools, skills and strategies, information on funding opportunities, and connections with potential collaborators. Policy‐level barriers identified were inadequate access to existing ADRD data sources, reduced monetary resources for infrastructure and human capital, and shifting priorities with changes in government.ConclusionAs ongoing goal, participants resolved to build the “Puerto Rico ADRD Research Consortium,” to address identified needs and challenges. ADRD public health efforts should be geared towards promoting a research culture: reducing the “brain drain,” creating and leveraging existing data sources, increasing ADRD research education and advocacy, and fostering partnerships among ADRD stakeholders to maintain a pipeline of innovative research. This research culture will potentially lead to advancing transformative brain health equity initiatives in PR.