Challenges and Opportunities in a Resource Desert: Las Vegas Boot Camp Translation

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe state of Nevada has the 3rd fastest growing rate of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) in the country with a 30.6% projected increase between 2020 and 2025. Growth in ADRD is complemented by growth in the diversity of residents, particularly in Las Vegas, where the growth of minoritized populations outpaces national rates. Nevada is 30% Hispanic/Latino (H/L) and Las Vegas is 33% H/L. Among the challenges presented by this growth, Nevada is characterized as a ‘neurology desert’, lacking the necessary specialists to meet the state’s care demands and lacking the traditional infrastructure for care and research referral. In order to better understand local experiences seeking care and address communication barriers, we applied the Boot Camp Translation model for the Las Vegas H/L community.MethodWe identified 14 community members to participate in our ADRD BCT through community connections, targeted email blasts, and social media. BCT members ranged in age from 23 to 62 (M = 43, SD = 13.74), were majority female (10/14) and H/L (11/14), and most (10/14) were connected to local non‐profit organizations serving H/Ls, those with ADRD, and/or older adults.ResultBCT members identified messages to increase AD awareness that reflected love, “respeto” (respect), resilience, and connection; messages targeted younger and middle‐age adults and community organizations: 1) “Amar es saber” (“To love is to know”), which encourages discussions among family members; 2) “The community cares. Let’s talk.”; and 3) “Podemos afrontar el Alzheimer juntos.” (”We can face Alzheimer’s disease together.”). BCT members identified our resource desert as a key challenge to message‐based calls to action. As reflected by their messages, they also highlighted opportunities for community members to engage and support message dissemination.ConclusionThe Las Vegas BCT effectively identified messages, challenges, and opportunities to increasing AD knowledge and research engagement. Many BCT members joined our community advisory board; they emphasize the need for ongoing advocacy in the state, Spanish‐language resources, and an online presence that simplifies and supports navigation of services and information.