Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The lack of racial/ethnic and socioeconomic diversity in research is an historic and ongoing crisis, especially for diseases like Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), whose prevalence, incidence, and risk are highest among the populations most likely to be excluded. Targeted and culturally appropriate population education and engagement strategies are key to increasing participation and reducing health disparities and costs. Art-based knowledge translation (ABKT) uses art to disseminate information and resources related to research and its findings. The Alzheimer's Association applied ABKT in the form of a groundbreaking intervention called Unforgettable. METHODS: Eligible communities were at least 35% Black/African American and/or Hispanic/Latino and had a strong local Alzheimer's Association chapter. Test market touring was used to refine the intervention's messaging. Highly tailored promotion and outreach was conducted by local chapters with national Alzheimer's Association support. A live concert, information tables, and an intermission talk provided additional promotion and messaging. Post-intervention surveys queried the intervention's messaging effectiveness and attendees' personal experiences around caregiving and research participation. RESULTS: Three hundred thirty-four surveys were completed. Most respondents were women (89%), Black/African American (78%), and had never participated in a clinical trial (85%). Satisfaction with the intervention and its messaging was high. Barriers to clinical trial participation centered on fears of potential risks and overall lack of knowledge. DISCUSSION: The success of Unforgettable demonstrates the potential for future partnerships and arts-based health education initiatives through ABKT. By continuing to integrate culturally relevant storytelling with public health outreach and education, the Alzheimer's Association and others can further the critical and urgent mission of ending ADRD disparities. HIGHLIGHTS: Unforgettable is a groundbreaking intervention that leverages culturally resonant art and live performance to engage under-represented communities in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) research and clinical trials.Art-based knowledge translation was used in the development of Unforgettable, which refers to the practice of using art to disseminate, engage with, or communicate about research and its findings, reducing the knowledge-to-action gap.High satisfaction rates and increased awareness of ADRD research were reported by participants of Unforgettable, which highlights the need for integrating culturally relevant story-telling into interventions surrounding public health issues, such as ADRD.