Honoring Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller: A Legacy of Diversity in Alzheimer’s Research


Honoring Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller: A Legacy of Diversity in Alzheimer’s Research

In recognition of Black History Month, Dr. Carl V. Hill of the Alzheimer’s Association is shining a light on the contributions of Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller, M.D., a pioneering figure in dementia research. Dr. Fuller, the first known Black psychiatrist in the United States, played a critical role in early Alzheimer’s research, and his legacy underscores the ongoing need for diversity in dementia science today.

A Trailblazer in Alzheimer’s Research

When Dr. Alois Alzheimer assembled a team of international researchers in Germany, Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller was among them. Born in Liberia in 1872, Dr. Fuller was the grandson of formerly enslaved Americans who had secured their freedom and moved to West Africa. He later pursued his education in the United States, earning his medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine, one of the few institutions at the time that welcomed students of all racial backgrounds.

After medical school, Dr. Fuller worked in Dr. Alzheimer’s lab, conducting anatomical research and analyzing brain tissue samples. His contributions helped lead to the 1906 discovery of the disease that would later bear Dr. Alzheimer’s name. Dr. Fuller’s groundbreaking work produced some of the earliest American publications on dementia, laying the foundation for future Alzheimer’s research.

The Ongoing Need for Diversity in Research

Dr. Fuller’s presence in early Alzheimer’s research highlights an enduring truth: diversity is essential in scientific discovery. Today, researchers acknowledge that a wide range of perspectives is critical for addressing complex medical challenges like Alzheimer’s disease. Yet, racial and ethnic minorities remain underrepresented in both clinical trials and the research workforce.

The Alzheimer’s Association is working to bridge this gap by prioritizing diversity in dementia research and clinical trial recruitment. Dr. Carl V. Hill notes that African Americans, Latinx, and Native American communities are often excluded from critical studies, making it difficult to determine how effective treatments will be for these populations. To combat this disparity, researchers are engaging communities, building trust, and creating inclusive research frameworks for the future.

Addressing Health Disparities in Dementia

Statistics reveal that older African Americans are about twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s or other dementias as older white adults. However, traditional research methods have not always accounted for sociocultural and environmental factors that may contribute to these disparities. Barriers such as limited healthcare access, historical mistrust in medical research, and stigma must be addressed to ensure that all communities benefit from advances in Alzheimer’s science.

The Alzheimer’s Association is actively funding diverse early-career investigators, supporting research that explores racial and ethnic disparities in dementia risk. By fostering inclusivity in research, the Association aims to develop culturally informed best practices for clinical trials and treatment approaches.

A Legacy That Inspires Future Generations

Dr. Fuller’s impact on Alzheimer’s research serves as an inspiration for today’s scientists. His work demonstrates that representation in research is not only a historical fact—it is a necessity for progress. The next generation of researchers must follow his example by committing to diversity in their labs and clinical trials, ensuring that Alzheimer’s treatments and prevention strategies work for all populations.

As we celebrate Black History Month, the Alzheimer’s Association reaffirms its commitment to research, inclusivity, and health equity. Through strategic initiatives, outreach efforts, and funding opportunities, the Association continues to empower diverse communities in the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementias.

Contact: Lionell Martin, Public Relations Manager, Alzheimer’s Association, lrmartin@alz.org, 773.593.4211.

About the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter

The Alzheimer’s Association offers a 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900) that is available 365 days a year. Specialists and master’s-level clinicians provide confidential support and information to individuals living with dementia, caregivers, families, and the public.


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