AAIC 2022 | Using digital technology to build a truly global cohort in Alzheimer’s disease

Rhoda Au, PhD, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, explains how digital technology is being used to build a globally representative cohort of over one million participants as part of the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative (DAC). One of the goals of the DAC project is to engage cohorts from across the world, to diversify our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and develop targeted treatments that work for people worldwide. The DAC emphasize their aim to maximize inclusivity regardless of the resource infrastructure any given region has in place. It is hoped that digital technologies can be used to bridge the current data divides. Prof. Au comments on the important factors considered when designing the global cohort development program, including the reach of the technology employed and the global applicability of the test stimuli. Since 2021, the DAC has engaged cohorts from across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America, and aims to develop a roadmap for further integration of diverse cohorts. This interview took place at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2022 in San Diego, CA.