The ASPIRE Research Institute Dataset: Building a Foundation for Brain Health Research in the United Arab Emirates

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Public Health
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• The United Arab Emirates (UAE) faces increasing non-communicable diseases (diabetes, cardiovascular disease) impacting cognitive function.
• A significant gap exists in normative neuroimaging data for the UAE and Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region.
• Population growth and urbanization in the UAE necessitate brain health assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a comprehensive brain health dataset for the UAE population.
• To address the lack of controlled neuroimaging data in the MENA region.
• To facilitate research on the neurological impact of common health issues.

Main Methods:

• Recruitment of 1000 Emirati citizens and 1000 non-Emirati residents (ages 18-60).
• Acquisition of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and behavioral data.
• Data made available via the Open Science Framework (OSF) with detailed documentation.

Main Results:

• An initial dataset of 41 participants (23 males, 18 females; mean age 25.08 ± 7.64 years) is documented.
• The study outlines the protocol for data acquisition, management, and preprocessing.
• The initial sample's neuroimaging data is publicly accessible.

Conclusions:

• This initiative provides crucial neuroimaging data for the UAE and MENA region.
• The dataset will support research into cognitive deficits related to prevalent health conditions.
• Standardized protocols ensure data utility for the scientific community.