Adaptation of a Multidomain Behavioral Intervention for Dementia Prevention in Hispanic/Latino Adults: Protocol to Guide an Evidence-Based Cultural Adaptation.

OBJECTIVE

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) pose a growing public health challenge, with 45% of cases attributable to 14 modifiable risk factors. Midlife represents a critical window for prevention. Hispanic/Latino adults face disproportionate ADRD risk, compounded by health inequities such as limited healthcare access and higher prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic conditions. In Rhode Island, where 17.6% of residents identify as Hispanic/Latino, culturally tailored interventions are urgently needed. This study aims to inform the cultural adaptation of the TEACH intervention (Tailored Education for Aging and Cognitive Health), an evidence-based, multidomain behavioral intervention designed to reduce ADRD risk through lifestyle modification, to ensure its cultural relevance for Hispanic/ Latino adults.

DESIGN AND

METHODS

The research team will follow the Cultural Adaptation Process (CAP) model to guide the adaptation of the TEACH intervention, emphasizing linguistic and cultural relevance for Hispanic/Latino adults in southern New England by incorporating the views and perspectives of key stakeholders. We will conduct semi-structured qualitative interviews with bilingual stakeholders (N=6-8) and Hispanic/Latino adults aged 40-69 (N=10-12) recruited from clinical and community settings. Interviews will explore brain health beliefs, perceived intervention needs, barriers, and cultural values. Qualitative data will be analyzed using framework matrix and applied thematic analysis approaches to identify adaptation priorities across language, content, and delivery.

RESULTS

This project was funded in September 2023. Data collection began in 2024, and analysis is projected to be completed in 2026.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings will guide cultural adaptation of the TEACH intervention using the CAP model. This work addresses a critical gap in ADRD prevention for U.S. Hispanic/Latino populations and lays the foundation for a future randomized controlled trial to evaluate efficacy of the adapted intervention.