Underrepresented and Underserved Populations in Neurological Research

Charles C. Windon; Ashley J. Jackson; Gloria A. Aguirre; Miwa Tucker; Alinda Amuiri; Tanisha Hill-Jarrett; Miranda Chen; Stefanie D. Pina Escuedro; Kevin Lieu; Lucia Lopez; Diana Mei; Boon Lead Tee; Caitlin W. Watson; Chidera Agwu; Joel Kramer; Serggio Lanata

doi:10.1055/s-0044-1782516

Seminars in Neurology, Table of Contents

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

¹Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California

,

Ashley J. Jackson

¹Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California

,

Gloria A. Aguirre

¹Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California

,

Miwa Tucker

¹Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California

,

Alinda Amuiri

¹Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California

,

Tanisha Hill-Jarrett

¹Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California

,

Miranda Chen

¹Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California

,

Stefanie D. Pina Escuedro

¹Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California

,

Kevin Lieu

¹Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California

,

Lucia Lopez

¹Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California

,

Diana Mei

¹Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California

,

Boon Lead Tee

¹Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California

²Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California

,

Caitlin W. Watson

¹Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California

,

Chidera Agwu

³Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri

,

Joel Kramer

¹Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California

,

Serggio Lanata

¹Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California

› Author Affiliations

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

Full Text

References

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