Exploring the Reasons Urban and Rural-Dwelling Older Adults Participate in Memory Research

This study examines how underrepresented older urban- and rural-dwelling individuals conceptualize participation in studies of cognitive impairment. Nine focus groups about the benefits of research participation were held with older adults from a community-based memory screening study. Results indicate that subjects viewed research participation as a way to address memory concerns and provide a benefit to society. The primary difference arising between rural and urban focus groups was that urban groups discussed the importance of financial compensation, while all rural groups discussed the importance of transportation for research participation.

Hunsaker A, Sarles CE, Rosen D, et al. Exploring the reasons urban and rural-dwelling older adults participate in memory research. American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementias 2011;26(3):227-234.