Improving Alzheimer's diagnosis and research in East Africa
Official title: Bridging Research Infrastructure for Dementia Gaps in East Africa (BRIDGE-AFRICA)
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11035989 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to improve how Alzheimer's and related dementias are diagnosed and understood in East Africa, by training local researchers and involving the community to make sure the methods fit well with their culture, so that they can better help people at risk for these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $558,193 |
| NIH project number | 1UG3AG090679-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11035989 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults living in East Africa who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside of East Africa or those not at risk for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the infrastructure for diagnosing and studying Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in East Africa. It builds on a decade of cognitive research and training programs that have already prepared local researchers to address these conditions. The project will implement a standardized assessment protocol across Kenya and Ethiopia, focusing on community engagement to ensure culturally relevant practices. By creating a representative cohort of individuals at risk for Alzheimer's, the research seeks to develop scalable solutions for better diagnosis and care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease in East Africa, ultimately enhancing patient care.
How similar studies have gone: Similar research initiatives have shown promise in improving dementia care and diagnosis in other regions, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Valcour, Victor — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Valcour, Victor
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.