Community Memory Screening as a Strategy for Recruiting Older Adults Into Alzheimer's Disease Research

Using Periodic Memory Screening Day events to provide free, brief cognitive screening aimed at those 65 years and older, researchers were able to gauge participants' attitudes toward Alzheimer’s disease research and recruit them into ongoing research projects. Of those screened, over 60% agreed to additional research and consented to being listed in a research registry, and a majority of those consenting reported they were interested in Alzheimer’s disease research procedures. The researchers were able to successfully recruit 19% of those screened into Alzheimer’s research. The results show that by providing the public with opportunities for a brief assessment of memory concerns, they can be an effective and efficient recruitment strategy for Alzheimer’s research.

Peavy GM, et al. Community memory screening as a strategy for recruiting older adults into Alzheimer's disease research. Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy. 2020;12(1):78. doi: 10.1186/s13195-020-00643-0.