A Community's Voice: Community Advisory Boards in ADRD Biomarker Research Among Older Black Women

Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) disproportionately affect Black/African American (BAA) women, yet this afflicted population remains underrepresented in ADRD biomarker research. As ADRD blood-based biomarkers become increasingly available, research must prioritize equity and inclusivity to determine their diagnostic specificity in minoritized groups. Community Advisory Boards (CABs) are pivotal in ensuring culturally responsive and community-engaged research. This article outlines the formation, operation, and maintenance of the Black Women: Inflammation and Tau Study (BWITS) CAB, which has played a crucial role in guiding the BWITS Research Team by refining research protocols and safeguarding the cultural contexts of the communities it represents. Motivated by a commitment to the BAA community, we advocate for a transformative shift in ADRD research on minoritized populations, emphasizing the need for CAB input to ensure accountability and the implementation of culturally responsive methods, benefiting both the scientific and target communities.