Development of a Physical Activity Intervention to Meet the Unique Needs of Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) Caregivers - PROJECT SUMMARY (ABSTRACT) Candidate: Andrew (Drew) C. Pickett, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health & Wellness Design at Indiana University- Bloomington (IUB). This award will aid his transition toward becoming an independent investigator in the areas of sexual and gender minority (SGM) health, caregiving for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD), and intervention co-design and evaluation. Dr. Pickett’s broad research goals seek to develop novel behavioral (e.g., physical activity) interventions to address health disparities among older adult SGM and caregiving populations. The proposed training plan develops research-related competencies needed to become an independent aging investigator, including graduate coursework, trainings, and mentorship related to: (1) SGM aging and health, (2) AD/ADRD caregiving, (3) and intervention co-design methodologies. Mentors: Co-primary mentor Dr. Richard J. Holden (IUB) brings expertise and experience in human factors engineering for healthcare management, technology-based interventions, and AD/ADRD prevention in older adults. Co-primary mentor Dr. Nicole E. Werner (IUB) is an established, NIA-funded, expert in AD/ADRD caregiving and participatory co-design of technology-based interventions. The mentorship team also includes four scholars with relevant expertise and extensive professional networks in areas related to the proposed research. Dr. Jason D. Flatt (UNLV) is an NIA-funded researcher focused on the understanding health disparities faced by SGM and AD/ADRD populations, with specific interest on improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations. Dr. Brea L. Perry (IUB) is a health sociologist with extensive extramural funding history whose research explores the complex interrelationships between social networks, psychology, and social inequity with health disparities. Dr. NiCole R. Keith (IUI) is an NIH-funded researcher who brings expertise in health disparities, physical activity, and aging. Dr. Matthew L. Smith (TAMU) is an established researcher in older adult health, caregiving, and program evaluation. Research: The proposed research follows the NIH Stage Model to first explore (Stage 0) the unique needs of SGM AD/ADRD caregivers with respect to physical activity (Aim 1). Drawing on these findings, the research then proposes to co-design (Stage Ia) a physical activity intervention to meet the unique physical activity needs of SGM AD/ADRD caregivers (Aim 2). Finally, we propose a feasibility test (Stage Ib) of the co-designed intervention to measure usability and acceptability across a four-week period (Aim 3). Summary: The proposed research does foundational work to explore the unique physical activity needs of SGM AD/ADRD caregivers, given the myriad intersecting challenges they face due to identity stigma and caregiver burden. This project further seeks to co-design and test a culturally relevant intervention to meet these unique needs. Drawing on strong mentor support, additional research training, and logistical assistance from professional organizations, the candidate will gain necessary capacity to ensure successful completion of aims.
