Dr. Yvonne Lu, PhD, RN, FGSA, FAAN, is a visionary nurse scientist whose work is making significant strides in the field of positive health, particularly through strength-based and family-centered interventions. Her research focuses on enhancing engagement activities, functional performance, and quality of life among older adults with cognitive impairments and their family caregivers. Dr. Lu's work is recognized and supported by the Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center, the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), and the National Institute on Aging (NIA).
One of Dr. Lu's most notable contributions is her leadership in the R24 study, "The Collaborative for Aging Research and Engagement" (CARE). This project is a dynamic and innovative effort designed to engage African Americans aged 45 and older in Clinical Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementia (ADRD) studies. The CARE Platform, which is at the heart of this study, is guided by community-based participatory research and the user-centered design process. The platform aims to increase brain health and ADRD health literacy while fostering a greater intention among African Americans to participate in clinical research studies.
"The CARE Platform, called the CARE Lola app, is not just about collecting data; it's about creating a space where the African American community can feel heard, informed, and empowered to take control of their brain health," says Dr. Lu. "We want to make sure that this platform reflects the voices and needs of the community, and that it serves as a trusted resource for information and engagement."
The CARE Platform is more than just a research tool; it is a community-driven initiative that leverages the long-standing partnership between the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter (AAGIC), the Alzheimer’s Association National Office, the Indiana Alzheimer Disease Research Center (IADRC), and Indiana University researchers. The project also incorporates the insights and guidance of the CARE Community Advisory Team members, ensuring that the content and strategies developed are culturally relevant and resonate with the target population.
One of the significant challenges in Alzheimer’s research has been the recruitment and retention of underrepresented populations, particularly African Americans. Older African Americans are nearly twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as older whites, yet their participation in research studies has been limited due to various barriers, including limited access to culturally appropriate educational resources, mistrust in the healthcare system, social economic barriers, and distrust of research goals and processes. Dr. Lu and her team are determined to address these issues head-on by developing a platform that not only educates but also builds trust within the community.
"By collaborating with the community and listening to their needs, we are not just increasing participation in research; we are also working towards reducing health disparities in Alzheimer’s and related dementias," Dr. Lu emphasizes. "Our long-term goal is to make the findings from aging research more representative and, ultimately, more impactful."
The CARE Lola app’s development and implementation involve a series of steps, including the creation of culturally relevant content that informs African Americans about brain health and the importance of participating in ADRD studies. The platform will be evaluated through usability testing and pre-pilot studies to ensure it meets the community's needs effectively. The ultimate aim is to scale this work to a regional and national level, leveraging existing networks to increase the breadth and depth of engagement in aging research.
Dr. Lu's work on the CARE Study exemplifies her commitment to advancing health equity and improving the lives of older adults. Through her innovative approach, she is paving the way for a future where Alzheimer's research is more inclusive and representative of all communities.
