Sophia Wang

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A Pilot Study of the BE SMART (Brain Health Education to Promote Cognitive Screening in Minority Communities and to Increase Diverse Participation in Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Clinical Trials) Intervention

Black and Hispanic older adults are at higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, they are often unaware of the importance of early detection of AD and often lack access to cognitive screening. The BE SMART intervention will address these gaps by educating minority communities about the value of early detection of AD and offering free cognitive screening. 

The overall goal of Dr. Wang's research project is to design and test the BE SMART intervention. The culturally tailored intervention includes a bilingual education program for minority communities about the value of early detection of AD and cognitive screening, optional free cognitive screening, and feedback about the screening results. Dr. Wang and her research partners use the sites of community partners to overcome access concerns about receiving cognitive screening. Bilingual educational materials in English and Spanish, e.g. brochures, videos, in person scripts are available to the community. The community outcomes of the research project include increased awareness of the value of early detection of AD and increased participation in cognitive screening. The intervention addresses health disparities in AD which disproportionately affects minority communities. Dr. Wang's translation of research into better health outcomes for Black and Hispanic older adults is another excellent example of how IUPUI's faculty members are TRANSLATING their RESEARCH INTO PRACTICE.

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