The Science Is Clear: Alzheimer’s Research Must Center Black Brains and Black Communities

Original source of the article https://share.google/eWc7k1fysXHVvpL83

The recent article, “Largest Study of African American Brain Tissue Unveils Critical Alzheimer’s Gene,” confirms something Diverse Research Now has long advocated for: Black Americans cannot be an afterthought in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) research.

This landmark study the largest of its kind using African American brain tissue identified important biological differences in how Alzheimer’s disease shows up at the molecular level in Black brains. Most notably, researchers identified the gene ADAMTS2 as strongly associated with Alzheimer’s disease in African American donors, reinforcing that biology matters, and that findings from predominantly White populations cannot simply be generalized to everyone.

For Diverse Research Now, this is not new information, it is validation.

Why This Matters for the Black Community

Black Americans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, yet for decades have been excluded from the very research meant to understand it. Too often, our higher risk has been explained away by lifestyle, education, or health behaviors without acknowledging the biological and structural realities we live with.

This study tells us:

• Alzheimer’s disease can affect Black brains differently

• There are biological pathways that have been overlooked

• Our lived experiences, stressors, and histories deserve scientific attention not dismissal

For the community, the message is clear:

Your participation matters. Your story matters. Your brain health matters not just for you, but for future generations.

What This Means for Researchers

To researchers, institutions, and sponsors:

This study is not the finish line it is the starting point.

The gaps are still wide:

• Black brain tissue samples remain severely limited

• Clinical trials continue to under-enroll Black elders

• Research questions are often asked about our communities, not with them

Moving forward, researchers must:

• Design studies that intentionally include Black participants

• Invest in community partnerships, not one-time recruitment efforts

• Share findings back in plain language

• Recognize that diversity is not optional, it is scientifically necessary

If Alzheimer’s biology is different, then research design, recruitment, diagnostics, and treatments must evolve accordingly.

Why Diverse Research Now Focuses on Alzheimer’s and ADRD

Diverse Research Now was founded to address exactly what this study highlights:

• The lack of diversity in research

• The lack of trust between researchers and communities

• The lack of education that empowers people to make informed decisions

Our work focuses on:

• Community education around Alzheimer’s and brain health

• Advocacy for inclusive research practices

• Helping community members understand their role in research not as subjects, but as partners

We believe Alzheimer’s research must reflect the people most impacted. This includes Black Americans, families, caregivers, and elders whose voices have been missing for far too long.

What Needs to Happen Next

To Researchers:

Do not wait for another article to tell you inclusion matters. Build trust. Fund community engagement. Measure what matters to the people most affected.

To the Community:

Ask questions. Learn about research. Consider participation when it aligns with your values. Talk to your family about brain health, clinical studies, and even brain donation. Your involvement helps ensure that discoveries lead to solutions that actually work for us.

Our Commitment

Diverse Research Now will continue to:

• Advocate for equity in Alzheimer’s and dementia research

• Educate communities with honesty and transparency

• Challenge systems that exclude while empowering those who have been overlooked

This study reminds us that science cannot move forward without us and we will continue doing all we can to make sure Black communities are seen, heard, and included.