Biomarkers.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Medical Imaging
• Public Health

Background:

• Africa is projected to experience a high prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) in the coming decades.
• Neuroimaging tools like MRI and PET are crucial for ADRD characterization but are underutilized in Africa.
• There is a critical need to develop neuroimaging capacity for dementia research in diverse African populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify global gaps in dementia neuroimaging research.
• To pinpoint barriers hindering the use of neuroimaging in Africa.
• To propose opportunities for advancing dementia neuroimaging research in Africa.

Main Methods:

• Reviewed global literature and clinical trial databases for ADRD studies using MRI or PET.
• Estimated the number of study sites, participants, and research capacity.
• Assessed Africa's imaging infrastructure, personnel needs, and associated costs.

Main Results:

• ADRD neuroimaging research is concentrated in only 49 countries globally, with Africa having the fewest study sites and participants.
• Only four African countries have conducted MRI-based ADRD research; none have published PET research.
• High costs of infrastructure, radiotracers, and a shortage of skilled personnel are major barriers, requiring an estimated $29.3 billion investment.

Conclusions:

• Increased investment in cost-effective imaging infrastructure is essential.
• Optimizing existing clinical imaging systems for advanced research is crucial.
• Collaborative training programs and regional/global partnerships can build dementia imaging capacity in Africa.