Alzheimer Disease International's 10/66 Dementia Research Group—One model for action research in developing countries

✍ Scribed by Martin Prince; Nori Graham; Henry Brodaty; Elizabeth Rimmer; Mathew Varghese; Helen Chiu; Daisy Acosta; Marcia Scazufca

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2004
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 54 KB
• Volume: 19
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0885-6230
• DOI: 10.1002/gps.1059

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Background

The 10/66 Dementia Research Group (10/66) founded in 1998, is a network of over 100 researchers from mainly developing countries. 10/66 is committed to encourage more good quality research in those regions, where an estimated two‐thirds of all those with dementia live. It represents a collaboration of academics, clinicians, and an international non‐governmental organization, Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI).

Method

10/66 pilot studies in 26 centres in Latin America, India, Africa and China and SE Asia suggest that education and culture‐fair diagnosis is an attainable aim. Despite extended family care networks, these studies also identified high levels of practical, psychological and economic strain upon caregivers. Population‐based studies in six centres will now estimate prevalence, describe impact and seek to identify genetic and environmental risk factors in novel settings. At a practical level, 10/66 has studied ways to circumvent the lack of help‐seeking in developing countries, and has developed a low‐level intervention to educate and train caregivers.

Conclusion

The links with ADI and its international networks, and the volunteerism of ADIs members have fostered the rapid growth of 10/66. The partnership facilitates both the raising of awareness and influence upon policy, as 10/66 research evidence can be used by ADI and national Alzheimer's Associations to direct and support advocacy. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.