The protocols for the 10/66 dementia research group population-based research programme.

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Epidemiology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Rapid demographic ageing and increasing dementia prevalence in Latin America, China, and India.
• Disproportionately low research in developing countries, where 66% of dementia cases occur.
• The 10/66 Dementia Research Group aims to address this research gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the protocols for the 10/66 population-based and intervention studies.
• To redress the imbalance in dementia research in low and middle-income countries.
• To establish an evidence base for dementia advocacy and improved care for older adults.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional surveys of residents aged 65+ in ten low and middle-income countries.
• Utilized a core data set with cross-culturally validated assessments for dementia, health, and functioning.
• Nested randomized controlled trials for caregiver interventions and a follow-up study on risk factors and mortality.

Main Results:

• Baseline population-based studies are nearing completion.
• Incidence phase scheduled for completion in 2009.
• Commitment to establishing an anonymized data archive for public access.

Conclusions:

• The 10/66 DRG studies provide crucial data on dementia in developing countries.
• Findings will support advocacy and raise awareness for dementia care needs.
• Aims to ensure health and social care needs of older populations are met.