Using Cross-Cultural Studies to Improve Evidence on Dementia Prevention: Lessons from the Special Issue Sponsored by the International Research Network on Dementia Prevention (IRNDP)

Abstract

The manuscripts presented in this issue of the journal highlight the value of including diverse populations and settings in research on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders (ADRD). Evidence from populations typically underrepresented in ADRD research-including low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) as well as underrepresented groups in high-income countries-can offer greater scientific insight than evidence from populations already well studied. By integrating evidence from diverse settings, we can better address questions of causality and identify effective intervention strategies to reduce the burden of Alzheimer's disease. This issue of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease includes 8 articles drawing on cross-national or cross-cultural studies of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders (ADRD). Collectively, these

Future Directions for Dementia Risk Reduction and Prevention Research: An International Research Network on Dementia Prevention Consensus

“…At our first international conference in October 2019, the IRNDP leadership committee held a workshop of experts to develop a position paper on future directions for research on dementia prevention and dementia risk reduction. This built on a special issue focused entirely on dementia prevention and published by the IRNDP in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease in 2019 alongside multiple key commentaries [9][10][11]. In this commentary, we present the IRNDP statement on the state of dementia risk reduction and dementia prevention and identify future directions for research that focus primarily on non-pharmacological strategies or pharmacological management of chronic disease (e.g., blood pressure lowering using medication).…”

Overcoming the COVID-19 Pandemic for Dementia Research: Engaging Rural, Older, Racially and Ethnically Diverse Church Attendees in Remote Recruitment, Intervention and Assessment

“…It is important to continue including more rural and diverse samples in registries or research on cognition. Disease progression and treatments may vary among groups, but to what extent is unknown, due to low representation in studies ( Glymour & Whitmer, 2019 ). It is also important in rural settings to continue fidelity through sustained presence, offer culturally relevant faith-based health promotion programs, and provide opportunities for engagement in research activities.…”

Dementia, Risk, Risk Reduction, and Translation into Practice: An International Research Network for Dementia Prevention (IRNDP) Special Issue

“…An associated and thought provoking editorial from Brayne and Richard raises related questions about future trial design, the intensity of intervention, and the populations to target [13]. We also begin to examine some of the gaps in the evidence and we draw attention to the lack of data across the age range and in global populations [14,15]. In a comprehensive umbrella review of systematic reviews, Anstey and colleagues summate the observational evidence on risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and any dementia, and highlight the lack of evidence for many risk factor exposures in midlife, a lack of data on risk factors for vascular dementia and from low and middle income countries [15].…”

“…In a comprehensive umbrella review of systematic reviews, Anstey and colleagues summate the observational evidence on risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and any dementia, and highlight the lack of evidence for many risk factor exposures in midlife, a lack of data on risk factors for vascular dementia and from low and middle income countries [15]. The editorial from Glymour and Whitmer takes this further highlighting the need for a life-course understanding, and the importance of risk factor prevalence or saturation in particular populations or those with relatively small numbers (for example indigenous Australian populations) [14,16]. Glymour and Whitmer also helpfully suggest new ways in which we can start to conceptualize, examine, and combine our data to gain the greater understanding we need for future risk reduction [14].…”

“…The editorial from Glymour and Whitmer takes this further highlighting the need for a life-course understanding, and the importance of risk factor prevalence or saturation in particular populations or those with relatively small numbers (for example indigenous Australian populations) [14,16]. Glymour and Whitmer also helpfully suggest new ways in which we can start to conceptualize, examine, and combine our data to gain the greater understanding we need for future risk reduction [14]. Finally, we report on life course and population-based approaches to dementia risk reduction.…”