2024 Capacity Building in International Dementia Research Program (CBIDR)

Aging and Dementia Research and Training (ADRET) Program in Uganda

Can a novel training program help satisfy the need for local dementia researchers and clinicians in Uganda?

Francis Bajunirwe, Ph.D.
Mbarara University of Science and Technology
Mbarara, Uganda

Background

Studies report that nearly two-thirds of individuals with Alzheimer’s and related dementias (ADRD) live in low- and middle-income countries. These countries may also have higher numbers of adults with undiagnosed dementia, especially among individuals from vulnerable racial and ethnic groups. Moreover, awareness of dementia and its risk factors may also be low in these places. Such disparities suggest the need for more dementia healthcare professionals and researchers in low- and middle-income countries.

Research Plan

To help satisfy this need, Dr. Francis Bajunirwe and colleagues have received an Alzheimer’s Association grant to foster dementia research in Uganda. They will develop and implement a program for training local student researchers and clinicians. The program will focus on (1) improving knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, (2) promoting improved diagnosis and care for local individuals with ADRD, and (3) exploring methods to develop and carry out dementia research. The investigators will also recruit a group of local scientists to conduct dementia-related studies in rural areas of Uganda. Lastly, they will train a second group of Ugandan scientists to design larger research projects that focus on dementia. Dr. Bajunirwe and team will monitor the effectiveness of their training programs, as well as the research ideas developed from the programs.    

Impact

Results from this project could greatly improve dementia knowledge and care in an underserved country. It could also act as a model for other low- and middle-income nations in need of similar resources.

The Capacity Building in International Dementia Research Program (CBIDR) is jointly funded by the Alzheimer's Association and Global Brain Health Institute.