Trust in Researchers Significantly Influences Willingness to Participate in Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarker Studies

A recent study highlights the crucial role of trust in researchers as a key factor affecting older adults' willingness to engage in Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) biomarker research. Conducted among 399 seniors with no prior research involvement, the study found that participants with very high levels of trust in scientists were markedly more open to participating in various research procedures, including brain scans, blood tests, and genetic testing. These individuals also showed a greater interest in receiving personalized results from imaging and memory assessments. Interestingly, the research revealed that simply possessing more information about ADRD did not necessarily increase participation, emphasizing trust as an independent and essential element.

Participants with higher trust levels were more comfortable with procedures and less concerned about privacy or associated risks. Moreover, offering personal results proved particularly effective in encouraging participation among those already trusting of researchers, whereas incentives like travel vouchers or routine lab results had minimal impact.

These findings, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: Behavior & Socioeconomics of Aging, underscore the importance of building strong, transparent relationships between researchers and communities. Enhancing trust through open communication and community engagement could accelerate early detection and treatment efforts for ADRD, ultimately advancing therapeutic development. Strengthening trust in research environments is essential for increasing participation in studies that are vital for scientific progress.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-association-willingness-alzheimer-disease-biomarker.html