Partnering with Latino Communities for Dementia Research: A Mixed-Methods Study of Engagement

Background Latinos are disproportionately affected by dementia but remain underrepresented in dementia research. Culturally responsive strategies are needed to engage Latino communities as research partners. This study examined engagement with a community council of Latino partners in South Texas, convened to co-lead culturally-specific engagement activities ( community pláticas ) and identify dementia care research priorities. Methods An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design study was implemented to assess engagement with council for this project. The Research Engagement Survey Tool (REST) was administered at three time points over two years. Repeated measures ANOVA and pairwise t -tests assessed changes in engagement quality and quantity across eight engagement principles. Descriptive statistics examined changes across five levels of engagement. Semi-structured interviews with council members (n = 10) were conducted and analyzed using content analysis. Quantitative and qualitative findings were integrated to provide a comprehensive assessment of engagement. Results Thirteen council members—representing caregivers, persons living with dementia, community health workers, organizations, clinicians, and researchers—completed surveys at all time points. Overall quality scores increased from baseline to study end (mean 4.18 to 4.77, p = .003). Increases were observed within several areas of engagement, including focusing on community perspectives (p = .008), valuing partner input (p = .015), co-learning and capacity building (.017), fostering collaborative partnerships (p = .015), involving partners in dissemination (p = .013), and building trust (p = .022). When examined by levels of engagement, collaboration remained the highest across all time points, while the largest increases occurred in partnership (quality + 6.9; quantity + 6.8). Qualitative findings reinforced survey results, highlighting three categories: establishing partnerships through diversity, shared experiences, and leadership; building capacity through co-learning, trust, and being heard; and sustaining the work. Together, the survey and interview results illustrate a trajectory in which structural diversity and inclusive processes produced outcomes of stronger trust, partnership, and sustained community leadership. Conclusion This study demonstrates that community councils can effectively engage Latinos in dementia research when structured around cultural values and community-centered methods. By aligning structural diversity, relational processes, and shared leadership, engagement strategies strengthened trust and fostered sustained partnership. These findings contribute evidence to the science of engagement and provide a model for reducing underrepresentation of Latinos in dementia research.