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. 2022 May;70(5):1306-1313.
doi: 10.1111/jgs.17750. Epub 2022 Mar 21.

Challenges and opportunities in conducting research with older adults with dementia during COVID-19 and beyond

Rashmi K Sharma  1 , Andrew Teng  2 , Mary Grace Asirot  3 , Jean O Taylor  3 , Soo Borson  4   5 , Anne M Turner  2   3
Affiliations

Challenges and opportunities in conducting research with older adults with dementia during COVID-19 and beyond

Rashmi K Sharma et al. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2022 May.

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic has created significant and new challenges for the conduct of clinical research involving older adults with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). It has also stimulated positive adaptations in methods for engaging older adults with ADRD in research, particularly through the increased availability of virtual platforms. In this paper, we describe how we adapted standard in-person participant recruitment and qualitative data collection methods for virtual use in a study of decision-making experiences in older adults with ADRD. We describe key considerations for the use of technology and virtual platforms and discuss our experience with using recommended strategies to recruit a diverse sample of older adults. We highlight the need for research funding that supports the community-based organizations on which improving equity in ADRD research participation often depends.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease and related dementias; COVID-19; qualitative research; racial and ethnic minorities.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Strategies and study modifications to address COVID‐19 related challenges
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Screenshot of interview with question displayed
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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