Discrimination, mistrust of medical professionals, and other barriers have caused Black and African Americans to be underrepresented among Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) researchers and research participants.
Increasing the representation of Black and African Americans in ADRD research is essential to developing treatments and providing quality care.
Learn more about three featured researchers at PMC who are breaking boundaries and working to advance equity in ADRD research.
Estevana Isaac
Estevana Isaac, MD
Role at PMC: Clinical fellow
Research interest: Disparities in health outcomes for patients with diverse cultural backgrounds
“As a clinical doctor, in addition to providing medical and social support to meet daily needs, I will continue to educate the public, patients, and caregivers to ensure safer environments. As a health services researcher, I intend to focus on solutions to better coordinate care and decrease costs for vulnerable patient populations as such. As a Black woman, I expect that my presence in these arenas continues to decrease biases and open more doors for diverse persons and perspectives, ultimately changing the face of healthcare.”
Patricia Salley
Patricia Salley, PA-C
Role at PMC: Physician assistant
Research interest: Disparities in dementia research
“As a new member to the Penn Memory Center team, my primary goal is to continue to provide clinical support to those patients and families who often now play the role of caregiver as they travel on their dementia journey. My additional goal is to engage in research opportunities in underrepresented communities to help address the disparities in dementia research.”
Kyra O’Brien
Kyra O’Brien, MD
Role at PMC: Neurologist, Clark Scholar
Research interest: Earlier detection of Alzheimer’s disease
“My research focuses on examining methods to increase early detection of cognitive impairment and early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Many people living with cognitive impairment do not receive a diagnosis until their symptoms are quite advanced. With my research, I hope to identify ways to increase access to early diagnosis and care so that people living with cognitive impairment receive the support they need.”