The Lived Experience of Individuals with Dementia and Care Partners in Latin America and How Researchers Can Build Stronger Partnerships to Improve Research

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundResearchers working on studies of dementia in Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries encounter numerous challenges, in particular, access to financial resources due to limited funding and operational barriers which limit the possibility of recruiting a diverse cohort from the LAC. Addressing challenges to access research is important to ensure outcomes of research are applicable more broadly to individuals living in all countries. Engaging with individuals that have the lived experience of dementia and caregiving is key to addressing barriers to participation.MethodsThe panelist will be selected by the Washington University research team and will live in either Latin America or the Caribbean. The panelist will share their lived experience with ADRD diagnosis, care, and research participation. The panelist will provide examples of the unique challenges faced in accessing care and research. They will share what researchers can do to build better partnerships within individuals living in Latin American or Caribbean countries.ResultsThis session will highlight the perspective of individuals living in an economically developing nation, specific to dementia research, and will offer the opportunity for further understanding around the experience of individuals in minoritized communities. This session aims to benefit researchers by providing perspectives crucial to the development of strategies to facilitate engagement with more demographically diverse communities across the globe.ConclusionThe voice of individuals from Latin America is essential to include when discussing research priorities and addressing the challenges to increase diverse research participation. Greater inclusivity in research will improve relevance of findings, and sharing diverse perspectives is a first step to build meaningful partnerships.