Early Detection Grants Program

Geographic Scope: International - 8 countries (North America, Asia, Africa)

• United States (multiple states)
• Canada
• Germany
• Japan
• Kenya
• Armenia
• Cuba
• Brunei

Focus Areas:

• Early detection of cognitive symptoms and Alzheimer's disease
• Innovative use of new technologies and assessments
• Primary care provider training programs
• Community-based and clinical protocols for early identification
• Cognitive screening and assessment tools
• Integration of pharmacists, optometrists, and community health workers
• Digital health solutions and mobile clinics

Eligible Applicants:

• Healthcare organizations
• Universities and research institutions
• Community health organizations
• Pharmacy networks
• Mental health and dementia care organizations

Application Process:

• Extensive application process with 76 responses from 21 countries received in 2 months
• Independent review committee evaluation including:
  • Global health experts (WHO, Alzheimer's Disease International)
  • Regional experts from Argentina, Lebanon, United States, Japan, Canada
  • Research organizations (RAND Corporation)
  • Foundations (John A. Hartford Foundation)
  • Family members of Alzheimer's patients

Grant Recipients (Sample):

• Toronto Memory Program and RetiSpec (Canada) - Retinal screening and optometry-based detection
• Ludwig-Maximillans University (Germany) - Multi-method screening study
• University of Havana (Cuba) - Primary care provider training
• Avant Institute (U.S.) - Pharmacy-based cognitive screening
• Africa Mental Health Research and Training Foundation (Kenya) - Community health worker training
• Alzheimer's Care Armenia (Armenia) - Mobile clinic screening
• Advocate Aurora Health (U.S., Illinois) - Primary care provider education
• Kobe City Pharmaceutical Association (Japan) - Pharmacy-based digital tests
• University of Washington (U.S.) - Primary care cognition protocol expansion
• American Academy of Physician Associates & Cleveland Clinic (U.S., Ohio) - PA training toolkit
• Institute for Healthcare Improvement (U.S., Massachusetts) - Systems redesign approach

Program Description:
Initiative of the DAC Healthcare System Preparedness Project aiming to advance how healthcare systems worldwide detect, diagnose, treat, and care for people with or at risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Learning & Dissemination:

• DAC Learning Laboratory meetings to share best practices
• Global learning network for spreading innovations worldwide
• Over 500 global leaders from 53 countries participated in learning discussions

Application Process

1. Submission Period: Two-month application window (specific dates not provided)
2. Geographic Reach: Accepted applications from 21 countries
3. Review Process:
   • Diverse independent review committee of global experts
   • Committee included family members of Alzheimer's patients
   • Evaluated 76 applications from multiple countries
4. Selection Criteria:
   • Measurable benefits to local health system and community
   • Potential for scaling learnings globally
   • Innovation in early detection approaches
   • Feasibility and sustainability

Documentation

• Detailed project summaries provided for each grant recipient
• Implementation guidance and learning resources shared through DAC network