Characterizing the research participant recruitment funnel for Alzheimer's secondary prevention trials: Results from a survey of U.S. adults

INTRODUCTION The steps of participant recruitment are described as a “funnel.” In Alzheimer's secondary prevention trials, the funnel typically yields an unrepresentative study population. METHODS A national survey of U.S. adults aged 65 years and over assessed intention to enroll in a hypothetical secondary prevention trial. Among those intending to enroll, intention to ask someone to serve as their study partner was also measured. RESULTS In the full sample ( n = 603), intention to enroll—measured on a scale of 1 (very unlikely) to 5 (very likely)—was low (M: 2.37, SD: 1.31). Among those somewhat or very likely to enroll (24%, n = 168), mean intention to ask a study partner was 3.45 out of 5 (SD 1.44). There were no significant differences between Black and White respondents. DISCUSSION Our results suggest underrepresentation of Black older adults in secondary prevention trials is not attributable to lower intention to enroll or ask a study partner.