AbstractBackgroundEstablishing international networks allows researchers of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) to draw lessons from foreign best practices in terms of policies, programs, interventions, and study design, thus broadening perspectives. A broad perspective is essential to design studies efficiently. Furthermore, international comparisons spurred by international networks can point to the advantages oand shortcoming of national policies and programs. Despite the importance of developing international networks and collaborations, researchers often do not leverage the opportunity to develop international research networks of scholars with comparable research interests. This session will draw from the expertise gained by the research team of the 5‐year US‐based Living Alone with Cognitive Impairment Project to develop and establish an international advisory group advising on the design of their mixed‐method study.MethodIn the first year of the 5‐year project (2021) we convened an International Advisory Group and then 4 plenary meetings with its 15 members which include scholars from all continents, plus an officer of the World Health Organization.ResultRegular interactions between the research team and the International Advisory Group led to: 1) systematic review of the international literature on services available to older adults living alone with cognitive impairment; 2) a seminar series of work‐in‐progress seminars; 2) a grant submission to fund an international conference; 3) enhanced design of the US‐based project (e.g., unplanned new research questions).ConclusionThe oversight, and regular engagement, of an International Advisory Group has allowed the Living Alone with Cognitive Impairment Project to better understand the advantages and shortcoming of US‐policies and programs to support older adults living alone with cognitive impairment. The practice of establishing an international advisory group can be easily replicated by researchers in studies supporting underserved populations with cognitive impairment.