Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine (Nov 2021)

Overcoming the COVID-19 Pandemic for Dementia Research: Engaging Rural, Older, Racially and Ethnically Diverse Church Attendees in Remote Recruitment, Intervention and Assessment

  • Lisa Kirk Wiese PhD, RN, GERO-BC, PHNA-BC,
  • Ishan C. Williams PhD, FGSA,
  • Nancy E. Schoenberg PhD,
  • James. E. Galvin MD, MPH,
  • Jennifer Lingler PhD, CRNP, FAAN

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/23337214211058919
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7

Abstract

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Background Access to cognitive screening in rural underserved communities is limited and was further diminished during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined whether a telephone-based cognitive screening intervention would be effective in increasing ADRD knowledge, detecting the need for further cognitive evaluation, and making and tracking the results of referrals. Method Using a dependent t-test design, older, largely African American and Afro-Caribbean participants completed a brief educational intervention, pre/post AD knowledge measure, and cognitive screening. Results Sixty of 85 eligible individuals consented. Seventy-percent of the sample self-reported as African American, Haitian Creole, or Hispanic, and 75% were female, with an average age of 70. AD knowledge pre-post scores improved significantly ( t (49) = −3.4, p < .001). Of the 11 referred after positive cognitive screening, 72% completed follow-up with their provider. Five were newly diagnosed with dementia. Three reported no change in diagnosis or treatment. Ninety-percent consented to enrolling in a registry for future research. Conclusion Remote engagement is feasible for recruiting, educating, and conducting cognitive screening with rural older adults during a pandemic.