Capacity building in dementia research: insights from the World Young Leaders in Dementia

Abstract

Early-career researchers from low- and middle-income countries face systemic barriers to professional development and leadership growth. This article presents results from an initiative led by the World Young Leaders in Dementia (WYLD), including a leadership-focused session at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2024 and a global survey completed by 130 dementia researchers from 17 countries. The survey explored five capacity-building domains critical for leadership development. Over half of the survey respondents stated that scientific research in their country was not prioritized in public policy. Additionally, only 39% report holding full-time academic positions. The most cited challenges included lack of funding sources, training opportunities, and physical workspace. These findings highlight the urgent need to invest in research, training, and infrastructure to support future scientific leaders. As dementia incidence rises, prioritizing capacity building is essential to ensure global equity in research. HIGHLIGHTS: Early-career dementia researchers face major barriers, especially in LMICs. A networking session and a global survey explored capacity-building needs in dementia research. Key obstacles: lack of funding, training, workspace, and protected research time. Leadership development is a critical component of sustainable research capacity.