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Semin Neurol 2024; 44(02): 168-177
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1782516
Review Article

Underrepresented and Underserved Populations in Neurological Research

Charles C. Windon
1   Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
,
Ashley J. Jackson
1   Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
,
Gloria A. Aguirre
1   Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
,
Miwa Tucker
1   Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
,
Alinda Amuiri
1   Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
,
Tanisha Hill-Jarrett
1   Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
,
Miranda Chen
1   Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
,
Stefanie D. Pina Escuedro
1   Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
,
Kevin Lieu
1   Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
,
Lucia Lopez
1   Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
,
Diana Mei
1   Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
,
Boon Lead Tee
1   Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
2   Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California
,
Caitlin W. Watson
1   Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
,
Chidera Agwu
3   Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
,
Joel Kramer
1   Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
,
Serggio Lanata
1   Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
› Author Affiliations
Funding C.C.W. has received funding previously from the Alzheimer's Association and the National Institutes of Health (NIA R35 AG072362, AACSFD-21-872476). T.H-J. has received funding from a T32 Research Fellowship for Equity in Alzheimer's Disease and Brain Health (T32AG078115-01). B.L.T. has received funding from the Alzheimer's Association (AACSFD-22-972143), National Institutes of Health (NIA R21AG068757, R01 AG080469, R01 AG083840), and the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center of California (P30 AG062422). C.W.W. has received funding from a T32 Brain Health Equity Postdoctoral Fellowship (T32AG078115-01).
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Abstract

Underserved and underrepresented populations have historically been excluded from neurological research. This lack of representation has implications for translation of research findings into clinical practice given the impact of social determinants of health on neurological disease risk, progression, and outcomes. Lack of inclusion in research is driven by individual-, investigator-, and study-level barriers as well as larger systemic injustices (e.g., structural racism, discriminatory practices). Although strategies to increase inclusion of underserved and underrepresented populations have been put forth, numerous questions remain about the most effective methodology. In this article, we highlight inclusivity patterns and gaps among the most common neurological conditions and propose best practices informed by our own experiences in engagement of local community organizations and collaboration efforts to increase underserved and underrepresented population participation in neurological research.

Keywords

recruitment - community - underrepresented - underserved - research


Publication History

Article published online:
14 March 2024

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