The latest recipients of the Pilot Awards for Global Brain Health Leaders are launching impactful projects globally to enhance brain health and address dementia. This year's awards highlight themes such as innovative approaches to community-centered dementia care and workforce development, focusing on critical needs in dementia prevention, care, and resilience.
CHICAGO, Dec. 10, 2024 - Today, the
Alzheimer's Association,
Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), and the UK-based
Alzheimer's Society announced the newest recipients of the Pilot Awards for Global Brain Health Leaders, a competitive funding initiative dedicated to fostering leadership in brain health and dementia care.
"Alzheimer's disease and other dementia are growing global health issues," said
Stefania Forner, Ph.D., Alzheimer's Association director of medical and scientific relations. "As such, local customs and culture, attitudes and perceptions regarding health and disease, and available resources and health systems all must be taken into account in the development of effective dementia-related interventions, services and care."
"The Alzheimer's Association and its partners, including GBHI and the Alzheimer's Society, are deeply committed to supporting local health and science leaders around the world and their innovative strategies tailored to meet specific community needs - both for immediate care and long-term resilience. This helps ensure that dementia care is accessible, sustainable and effective," said Forner.
Empowering Global Communities and Care Providers
This year, 21 awards have been granted to projects tackling critical gaps in dementia diagnosis, care, and support for underserved populations in 18 countries, including Zambia, Kenya, Poland, Egypt and Nepal. In Zambia,
Mataa Mataa, MBCHB, one of only 12 neurologists serving a population of 20 million, is leading a pioneering effort to build a peer-led support network for dementia caregivers. This project aims to address the unique social and emotional needs of caregivers, who often navigate dementia-related challenges with limited resources and minimal support.
"I have seen firsthand how isolating dementia can be for families, and I'm determined to change that," said Mataa. "This project is about giving caregivers the support and knowledge they need to lift each other up, reduce the stigma surrounding dementia, and bring hope and dignity to families facing this journey."
Mataa's initiative will train 10 caregivers with over two years of experience to become peer mentors, using an adapted version of the UCSF Memory and Aging Center's Care Ecosystem model. These mentors, recruited through Zambia's national dementia association (ADDIZ), will provide essential guidance and support, addressing stigma, enhancing dementia awareness, and relieving caregiver burden. Each mentor will be paired with three caregiver-patient dyads, following structured weekly interactions focused on common caregiving challenges, self-care, and emotional resilience.
"Most dementia cases occur in low- and middle-income nations, where resources are limited," said
Bruce Miller, M.D., Founding Director of GBHI at the University of California, San Francisco. "These awards support leaders like Mataa, who bring locally tailored solutions to dementia care, allowing people to live better lives while addressing brain health challenges worldwide."
Innovation and a Growing Global Impact
While community care and workforce development remain central themes, other awardee projects explore innovative and creative approaches, including social determinants of health, early detection, public health education, and the arts. In Colombia,
Sandra Baez, Ph.D., is leading a gender-focused initiative to improve the well-being of low-income women caregivers for people living with dementia by designing a culturally sensitive and tailored support program in Bogotá. In Turkey,
Armagan Uysal, M.D., uses live theater performances to teach caregivers practical skills for managing dementia symptoms, offering an engaging alternative to traditional paper-based methods.
The 21 new awardees join 163 previously funded projects in 45 countries, bringing the total awarded to date to $4.6 million in 48 countries. Since its inception, the program has seen awardees secure an additional $17.4 million for further work directly related to their projects.
"We are proud to support the Pilot Awards for Global Brain Health Leaders, which will continue to support emerging leaders in dementia research from across the globe to develop game-changing strategies to improve dementia care," said Professor
Fiona Carragher, Chief Policy and Research Officer at Alzheimer's Society.
"By taking into account the perspectives and issues of varied communities, amplifying under-represented voices, and advocating for people affected by dementia, the projects will bring fresh, innovative ideas that will inspire positive action and address the most important issues people with dementia face every day across the world.
"The goal is to support and advance projects that will identify evidence-based approaches which will delay, prevent, or mitigate the impact of dementia, and inject much-needed changes into existing systems. These projects aim to improve the care for people living with dementia worldwide, and to create a more supportive environment now and in the future," said Carragher.
Explore More
-
Watch a Video: Learn more about the Pilot Awards for Global Brain Health Leaders and the inspiring individuals leading these impactful projects.
-
Discover the Projects: Dive deeper into the Pilot Awards to learn about the program's mission and explore the awarded projects making a global impact.
About the Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia - by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
About the Global Brain Health Institute
The Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) is a leader in the global community dedicated to protecting the world's aging populations from threats to brain health.
GBHI works to reduce the scale and impact of dementia in three ways: by training and connecting the next generation of leaders in brain health through the Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health program; by collaborating in expanding preventions and interventions; and by sharing knowledge and engaging in advocacy.
We strive to improve brain health for populations across the world, reaching into local communities and across our global network. GBHI brings together a powerful mix of disciplines, professions, backgrounds, skills, perspectives, and approaches to develop new science-based solutions. We focus on working compassionately with all people including those in vulnerable and under-served populations to improve outcomes and promote dignity for all people. GBHI is based at the University of California, San Francisco, and Trinity College Dublin. Visit www.gbhi.org.
About the Alzheimer's Society
Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading dementia charity. We provide information and support, fund research, campaign to improve care and create lasting change for people affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The mission of Alzheimer's Society is to transform the landscape of dementia forever. Until the day we find a cure, we will strive to create a society where those affected by dementia are supported and accepted, able to live in their community without fear or prejudice.
Alzheimer's Society relies on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0330 333 0804 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk. Alzheimer's Society provides the Dementia Connect support line, the number is 0333 150 3456.