Training and Accompaniment Model for Expanding ADRD Research in LMICs – The Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health Experience

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundOften, global health programs are designed to train individuals from low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) with training provided in more resourced regions. Subsequently, the trainees return to their home community with limited additional resources. When research is funded, capacity‐building is rarely prioritized and partnership for core administrative and study management needs is absent. A program of ‘accompaniment’ where programs partner with trainees after their training period is less frequent and could alter the landscape of research capacity building for dementia.MethodsThe Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health program provides both a one‐year in‐residence learning experience and seeks to accompany fellows as they return to their home community. Resources and activities in the post‐training period include funding for small pilot projects, networking and community building, training in grants management, support for logistic and administrative activities related to grants, partnering with grant and manuscript writing and assistance with data collection and management.ResultsOver seven years, Atlantic Fellows have received 137 Pilots Awards ($25k each) for activities in 41 countries. Many of these awards serve as launching pads for future funding. For example, the Multi‐Partner Consortium for Dementia Research in Latin America (ReDLat) grew out of a Pilot awarded to an Atlantic Fellow from Latin America uniting 14 research centers across six Latin American countries aiming to identify the unique genetic and social determinants of health that drive Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Work is underway and includes prominent capacity building activities with more than $12M in committed from global partners. More than 1454 individuals have been enrolled. Eleven Atlantic Fellows are directly involved in the project. Other examples include work in Brazil that has now been transformed into US National Institutes of Health funding. New work is currently launched in East Africa leading to competitive research applications under review.ConclusionsAn intentional model of accompaniment can achieve substantial impact on dementia research in LMICs.