The burden of AD/ADRD is growing in low- and middle-income countries where two-thirds of individuals with cognitive impairment reside. In Zambia, risk factors for AD/ADRD include traditional cardiovascular and metabolic causes as well as others such as undernutrition. Despite this, data regarding the burden of AD/ADRD is virtually nonexistent. There is likely a high diagnostic gap for AD/ADRD in Zambia as few providers recognize symptoms of cognitive impairment and disease-associated stigma may hinder care seeking behavior. The objectives of this pilot study are to assess the burden of cognitive impairment in a population-based sample of adults in Lusaka and to characterize the burden associated with AD/ADRD diagnosis and care in this setting. This will serve as the basis for a subsequent urban and rural prevalence study which will inform the development and implementation of medical and behavioral interventions for individuals at risk for and living with AD/ADRD and their caregivers.
Other investigators on the work include: Chiti Bwalya, MPH, Lisa Kalungwana, MS, Matta Mataa, MBChB MMed, and Jeremy Tanner, MD MPH