Enact the ENACT Act – Media headlines

Despite years of efforts to make medical research programs accessible and equitable to all regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, geographic, and socioeconomic status, disparities continue to affect underrepresented populations. It doesn’t have to be this way. The ENACT Act could improve the situation.

The Equity in Alzheimer’s Neuroscience and Clinical Trials (ENACT) Act (HR 3085/S. 1548) would increase the participation of underrepresented populations, particularly Blacks, Hispanics, Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans, in Alzheimer’s clinical trials and other dementias. . Dementia rates are highest among blacks and American Indians/Alaska Natives, followed by Hispanics and Pacific Islanders compared to whites and Asian Americans1.

The ENACT Act will:

• increase the number of research centers for Alzheimer’s disease in areas with a greater concentration of underrepresented populations,

• increase outreach and awareness of clinical trial opportunities for underrepresented communities and primary care physicians,

• increase the diversity of clinical research staff,

• provide incentives to locate Alzheimer’s clinical trial centers in areas with high concentrations of underrepresented populations, and

• encourage community engagement strategies to increase participation in clinical trials.

We need to make sure this important bill continues to make its way through Congress. Please join me and the Alzheimer’s Association in encouraging House Hoolahan and Senator Toomey to co-sponsor the Alzheimer’s Neuroscience Equity and Clinical Trials (ENACT) Act (HR 3085/S. 1548), which would increase the participation of underrepresented populations in Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias clinical trials.

And thanks to Senator Casey for his leadership in co-sponsoring the Alzheimer’s Neuroscience Equity and Clinical Trials (ENACT) Act (HR 3085/S. 1548).

Dr. Bronwyn L. Martin