The Egyptian Dementia Network (EDN): Baseline characteristics from the first dementia registry in an African Arab country

Funding Sponsor

Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique

Author's Department

Institute of Global Health & Human Ecology

Fifth Author's Department

Institute of Global Health & Human Ecology

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https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.70770

All Authors

Shimaa A. Heikal Gharib Fawi Eman M. Khedr Mai Othman Sara A. Moustafa Nesma G. Elsheikh Heba M. Tawfik Sara Elfarrash Samer Salama Eman M. Ali Hany I. Hassanin Mohamed Salama

Document Type

Research Article

Publication Title

Alzheimer S and Dementia

Publication Date

11-1-2025

doi

10.1002/alz.70770

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Dementia is a growing public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Egypt, where data are scarce. The Egyptian Dementia Network (EDN) registry addresses this gap by capturing epidemiological, clinical, and environmental data across Egypt. METHODS: In this multicenter study, 662 participants from six governorates were enrolled using standardized tools. RESULTS: The cohort had advanced age (mean 68.3 years), low education (65.9% illiterate), and high comorbidities including hypertension (55%) and diabetes (23%). Alzheimer's disease (62%) and vascular dementia (23%) predominated. Only 24.4% received pharmacological treatment and 2.1% psychosocial support, highlighting care gaps. Household insecticide exposure (20.4%) was notable. DISCUSSION: EDN demonstrates the feasibility of implementing a national dementia registry in LMICs, generating baseline insights into demographic, clinical, and environmental risks. In addition, registry-linked biosamples have enabled pilot multi‑omics and exposome analyses, underscoring its potential as a scalable scientific platform for future dementia research. Highlights: Established Egypt's first national, multicenter dementia registry. Aimed to characterize dementia profiles and care gaps across diverse regions. Identified late-stage diagnosis and limited access to dementia interventions. Uncovered unique environmental risk factors relevant to the Egyptian context. Provides a foundation for policy, research, and improved dementia care in Egypt.

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