A national program to advance dementia research in Vietnam

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundAs Vietnam and other low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC) experience a rapid increase in people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), an acute need exists to strengthen research capacity to inform policy, improve care and supports, and develop of national dementia plans. We describe the development and early outcomes of an NIH/NIA‐funded national ADRD research capacity building program in Vietnam.MethodThe research capacity building program has three components: a mentored pilot grant program, research training and networking activities, and dissemination. The pilot grant program funds Vietnamese researchers for 1‐2 years to conduct research focused on ADRD research broadly defined. Each funded investigator is paired with an international expert who serves as a mentor. Grants are reviewed and scored using NIH criteria and priority is given to pilot grants with policy relevance and potential for future funding. Training and networking activities include workshops on ADRD research topics and regular meetings in conjunction with Vietnam’s annual national dementia conference. Dissemination is facilitated through targeted outreach and the creation of a national network of institutions.ResultOver the first three years (2019‐2022) of this five year program, we reviewed 46 applications and selected 17 for funding (4‐6 per year). Funded investigators were from diverse disciplines (e.g., geriatrics, neurology, neuropsychology, nursing, pharmacy, social work) and institutions across Vietnam with projects on a range of topics, including biomarkers, prevention, diagnosis, neuropsychological assessment, family caregiver support, dementia education, and clinical trials. An international pool of high‐income country (e.g., United States, Australia, United Kingdom) mentors has been engaged and mentors paired with each funded project. Research training has included 2 workshops at national conferences and 3 webinars that have features international speakers. A network of 11 leading academic and research institutions nationwide (i.e., Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnam) has been created to facilitate dissemination. The program has adapted to meet the challenges of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Additional process and outcome assessments of the program are planned.ConclusionThis research capacity building program is the first of its kind in Vietnam and may serve as a useful model for other LMIC.