Advancing global dementia research through equity and inclusion

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Global Health
• Health Equity

Background:

• Dementia research is predominantly conducted in high-income, Western countries.
• This lack of diversity limits the generalizability and equity of findings.
• Underrepresentation hinders progress in dementia prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical need for diversity and inclusion in dementia research.
• To emphasize that diversity encompasses participants, researchers, study design, and funding.
• To advocate for global and inclusive research practices.

Main Methods:

• Perspective piece analyzing current trends in dementia research.
• Review of initiatives promoting diversity and open science.
• Discussion of strategies for equitable global research collaboration.

Main Results:

• Lack of representation creates significant knowledge gaps.
• Initiatives like ADDI and Gates Fellowship support open science and underrepresented researchers.
• Diversity is presented as a scientific necessity, not just an ethical consideration.

Conclusions:

• Inclusive and global dementia research yields more generalizable and applicable discoveries.
• Prioritizing representation across ethnicity, geography, sex/gender, and socio-economic status is essential.
• Standardizing tools, promoting open science, and engaging communities drive scientific advancement.