The Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative (DAC) has selected Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) as its technology partner for a groundbreaking global project aimed at advancing Alzheimer's disease research in North Africa. The initiative, known as the North African Dementia Registry (NADR), will develop comprehensive datasets to enhance understanding of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias in diverse populations.
The collaboration brings together researchers from University College London (UCL) and The American University in Cairo (AUC) to study genetic factors contributing to dementia in North African populations, an area historically underrepresented in global research efforts.
Expanding Genetic Research Beyond Western Populations
Dr. Mie Rizig, UCL NADR lead and clinical senior research fellow in the Department of Neuromuscular Diseases at UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, emphasized the importance of diverse datasets in dementia research.
"Addressing the global challenge of dementia requires diverse, high-quality datasets. With PacBio's technology and workflows, we can accelerate our understanding of the genetic architecture of populations in North Africa and uncover novel biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets," said Dr. Rizig.
The project specifically focuses on Egypt, which serves as a unique genetic bridge between Africa and the Middle East. With a population exceeding 110 million, Egypt offers researchers access to a rich tapestry of genetic and cultural heritage previously underexplored in Alzheimer's research.
"This collaboration not only promises to benefit the Egyptian population but also aims to advance our collective understanding of dementia in the region and beyond," explained Mohamed Salama, professor at AUC's Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology (I-GHHE) and NADR lead at AUC.
Technology-Driven Research Approach
PacBio's selection as the technology partner highlights the importance of advanced genomic sequencing in modern neurodegenerative disease research. The company's HiFi long-read sequencing and SBB® short-read sequencing technologies will enable researchers to generate high-quality genetic data from North African populations.
This technological approach aligns with DAC's mission to extend global research beyond traditional Western European ethnic populations into the highly diversified populations of the Global South, where the majority of those with Alzheimer's live.
Global Data Sharing Initiative
A key component of the project is its commitment to data accessibility. All data generated through this collaboration will be made available via the Alzheimer's Disease Data Initiative (ADDI) platform, providing controlled access to researchers worldwide to support continued innovation in Alzheimer's disease research.
This approach to data sharing represents a significant step toward democratizing access to valuable genetic information from diverse populations, potentially accelerating discoveries in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Addressing a Growing Global Health Crisis
The collaboration comes at a critical time in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. According to DAC, without effective action at scale around the world, by 2050, more than 150 million families and half a billion people will be personally impacted by dementia, creating what they describe as "a social, financial, economic, and global security disaster of historic proportions."
DAC's approach mirrors successful global efforts against infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, and malaria. By introducing lower-cost screening and diagnostic tools in primary care and community health settings, the organization aims to drive implementation of health system solutions appropriate for worldwide application.
Institutional Collaboration
The project represents a significant collaboration between major academic and research institutions. The American University in Cairo brings expertise through its Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology, which takes a holistic approach to health and sustainability with a focus on environmental health, precision health, and public health policy.
UCL contributes its renowned expertise in neuroscience and dementia research. As one of the world's top universities with a strong academic reputation and broad research impact, UCL's involvement strengthens the scientific foundation of the project.
Together with PacBio's technological capabilities, this multi-institutional collaboration creates a powerful framework for advancing our understanding of Alzheimer's disease across diverse populations.
Future Implications
The North African Dementia Registry represents an important step toward more inclusive and comprehensive Alzheimer's research. By expanding genetic studies beyond Western populations, researchers hope to uncover new insights into the disease's mechanisms, potentially leading to more effective prevention strategies and treatments.
The project also highlights the growing recognition that addressing complex diseases like Alzheimer's requires global cooperation, diverse population studies, and open data sharing. As this initiative progresses, it may serve as a model for similar collaborative efforts in other regions and for other complex diseases.
