RAISE-Botswana: Research on Aging, AD/ADRD, and Its Social Determinants in Botswana

PROJECT SUMMARY The RAISE-Botswana project (Research on Aging, AD/ADRD, and Its Social Determinants in Botswana) aims to develop infrastructure for aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Alzheimer’s disease- related dementias (ADRD) research in Botswana, a country with an aging population and a high HIV burden. RAISE-Botswana will support the career development of Dr. Lillian Okui, a research scientist and epidemiologist at a Botswana research institution, through professional development activities and training and mentorship from local, regional, and international experts in psychology, biostatistics, and epidemiology of aging and the Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP) network in Kenya and South Africa. The RAISE-Botswana professional development plan focuses on enhancing Dr. Okui’s skills in probability- based sampling and epidemiological methods for AD/ADRD research, providing hands-on training in data management, survey implementation, and tool adaptation. Additionally, it includes participation in webinars and conferences to keep her informed on the latest advancements in aging and dementia research. RAISE- Botswana will leverage the 2022 Botswana census datasets and the HCAP to gather baseline data on the feasibility of population-based research for AD/ADRD in Botswana through three key aims: Aim 1: Leverage the latest Census Dataset to develop a Sampling Frame and inform the study design for Population-based Aging and AD/ADRD Research in Botswana. This sampling frame will enable accurate and representative data collection, which is essential for estimating the prevalence and identifying risk factors associated with AD/ADRD in Botswana. Aim 2: Adapt and translate the HCAP protocol, Respondent, and Informant Interview Details for the Botswana context to ensure cultural relevance and linguistic accuracy for use in Botswana. This will facilitate cross-national comparisons of cognitive health and dementia. Aim 3: Assess the Acceptability and Feasibility of conducting population-based aging, AD/ADRD surveys through a pilot study in Gaborone, Botswana, to provide critical baseline data for future longitudinal studies. Implementing RAISE-Botswana will allow Dr. Okui to develop into a next-generation researcher in aging and AD/ADRD. Expected outcomes include a sampling frame for AD/ADRD research, adapted cognitive assessment tools, preliminary data for an R01 grant application, and enhanced capacity for conducting probability-based sampling and survey analysis. This research will lay the groundwork for future studies and inform public health strategies to address AD/ADRD in Botswana and other Sub-Saharan African countries.