Recruitment and retention in clinical studies for Alzheimer’s disease remains one of the biggest hurdles in the path to a cure or prevention for this devastating disease. From strict eligibility requirements and invasive and time-consuming procedures, to the need for study partners for people already with dementia to encouraging people without symptoms to participate, the challenges are substantial.

To set a path forward to address these challenges, NIA has released Together We Make the Difference: National Strategy for Recruitment and Participation in Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Clinical Research. With co-facilitation by the Alzheimer’s Association and many other organizations and experts, the strategy is the culmination of more than two years of dedication and work to outline practical, proactive approaches to help study sites engage a wider, more diverse number of volunteers. The strategy focuses on four larger themes:

1. Increase awareness and engagement at a broad, national level
2. Build and improve capacity and infrastructure at the study site level
3. Engage local communities and support participants
4. Develop an applied science of recruitment