Causal inference in real-world dementia research: a systematic review protocol

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Epidemiology
• Biostatistics

Background:

• Dementia research faces causal inference challenges due to complex etiology and progression.
• Randomized controlled trials have limitations in dementia research.
• Observational studies with advanced causal inference methods are increasingly vital for real-world dementia insights.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically examine the application of causal inference techniques in dementia research.
• To assess the methodological rigor of these applications.
• To identify trends, assumptions, and gaps for future innovation.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines.
• Searches across multiple databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Scopus, Cochrane Library) from 1960-2024.
• Inclusion of observational studies using causal inference for dementia-related outcomes; risk of bias assessed using ROBINS-I; narrative synthesis and meta-analysis.

Main Results:

• This section is to be filled after the review is conducted.
• The review will synthesize findings on the implementation and rigor of causal inference methods.
• Trends, assumptions, and identified gaps in current practices will be detailed.

Conclusions:

• The review addresses a critical gap in evaluating causal inference methods in dementia research.
• Findings will strengthen research rigor and reproducibility.
• Results will inform future methodological development and dementia care policy.