The Engaging Communities of Hispanics for Aging Research (ECHAR) Network: Denver Hispanic/Latino Bootcamp Translation

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundHispanic/Latino (H/L) individuals have higher rates of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) yet are less likely to be diagnosed with ADRD and engage in ADRD research. Almost 30% of the population is H/L in Denver, Colorado. We carried out the Boot Camp Translation (BCT) process with our local H/L community to increase awareness of medical issues and enhance the uptake of evidence‐based interventions.MethodDuring the BCT process, participants learn about a medical issue, share their personal expertise and knowledge, and create locally relevant, culturally informed health messages and plans for message dissemination. The Denver H/L BCT on ADRD was conducted over a series of virtual meetings led by two University of Colorado academic co‐facilitators and a real‐time Spanish interpreterResult16 H/L individuals with a broad array of lived experience participated in the Denver H/L BCT on ADRD. The group met over a period of 8 months. Four dominant themes emerged: 1) Awareness of ADRD; 2) Brain health; 3) ADRD risk reduction; and 4) Exclusion of H/Ls in the ADRD health care and research. The target audience for these messages included H/L middle age and older adults and undocumented individuals in Denver. The group worked with a local designer to create flyers and t‐shirts displaying the messages, which were disseminated through local mercados, churches, and libraries. After the project, 12 of the 16 members agreed to serve on a community advisory board (CAB) to help guide future community‐academic partnership work.ConclusionBCT is an effective approach to engaging H/L individuals in ADRD research. The Denver H/L BCT successfully conducted the BCT using virtual meetings and a live interpreter. The partnership developed during the BCT led to the formation of a CAB, which will provide infrastructure for sustainable community engaged ADRD work.