Increasing Black representation in the fight against Alzheimer’s

For most Americans, the name Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller doesn’t ring a bell. Yet, over 70 years ago, this pioneering African American psychiatrist delivered a groundbreaking review of Alzheimer’s disease. Today, the shadow of his underappreciated work looms large, a stark reminder of the ongoing fight for equity in scientific research, particularly in a disease that disproportionately affects Black communities.

I stand before you not just as a scientist, but as a witness. Growing up in a predominantly Black community in Louisiana, I saw firsthand the devastating impact of racial disparities in health care. A close friend’s life was tragically cut short due to these very disparities. His death left an indelible mark, forcing me to confront the same questions Black families grapple with — questions born of prejudice and bias that seep into hospital rooms and ultimately determine health care outcomes. This is why, for me, science has never been a neutral pursuit. It’s a responsibility, a way to bridge the racial divides that have long plagued our health care system.

Alzheimer’s disease is a ticking time bomb. An estimated 10.7% of Americans over 65 have it, with this number projected to triple by 2060, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But this isn’t a uniform threat — the burden falls heaviest on Black Americans. Statistics tell a grim story: The Chicago Health and Aging Project reported that 18.6% of Black Americans over 65 have Alzheimer’s compared with just 10% of whites. Research suggests that social determinants of health, heavily influenced by racism and discrimination, play a key role in this disparity.

Here’s the troubling paradox: While Alzheimer’s disproportionately affects Black communities, they remain largely absent from the research table. The vast majority of clinical trials, the bedrock of developing new treatments, involve a group of patients that is 90%-95% white. This lack of representation is a disservice to all Americans. Treatments developed on such skewed data may not be effective for Black patients, creating a cycle of missed opportunities and worsening health outcomes.

The good news is, change is brewing and the tide is beginning to turn. At The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, I lead The Health and Aging Brain Study Health-Health Disparities. This study boasts the highest number of African American participants in any Alzheimer’s research project in the U.S.

The Health and Aging Brain Study – Health Disparities is a crucial step toward understanding how the disease manifests differently across racial groups, paving the way for more targeted treatment strategies. My work isn’t unique. A growing chorus of voices, both Black and white, is calling for increased representation in research across all fields. The National Institutes of Health acknowledges the problem, setting a goal to diversify its clinical trial population. This is a positive step, but a single step on a much longer path.

Imagine a future 70 years from now. Imagine a world where Dr. Fuller’s legacy isn’t an anomaly, but a standard. Imagine a world where Black scientists are leading the charge in Alzheimer’s research, developing culturally competent treatments specifically tailored to the needs of Black communities. This future, a future free from the grip of Alzheimer’s, is within reach.

We need more Black researchers and representation at every level. Their lived experiences, their unique perspectives, are invaluable assets in the fight against Alzheimer’s. It’s a matter of not just equity, but also scientific progress. Studies show that diverse research teams produce better results. The current lack of Black representation weakens the entire scientific endeavor.

The call to action is clear: Dismantle the barriers that prevent Black Americans from participating fully in science. We need to build coalitions across racial lines. Research institutions must actively recruit and retain Black scientists. Funding agencies must prioritize research that addresses racial disparities in healthcare.

The time for action is now. Join me, join Dr. Fuller, join the countless others dedicated to bridging the racial divide in science. Together, we can turn the tide on Alzheimer’s, brain disease and trauma and create a brighter future for all Americans. Let’s honor Dr. Fuller’s legacy not just by achieving progress in Alzheimer’s research, but by achieving true equity in science. By working together, we can ensure the next 70 years are marked not only by scientific breakthroughs, but also by a more just and equitable scientific landscape.

Dr. Sid O’Bryant is the executive director of the Institute for Translational Research at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, specializing in neurodegenerative diseases and health disparities.

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