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How can new culturally tailored language tools improve dementia diagnosis?
Adolfo García, Ph.D.
Universidad de Santiago de Chile
Santiago, Chile
Background
Studies have found that subtle changes in speech patterns may be indicative of the early brain changes observed in Alzheimer’s and other dementia that are not detectable in clinical settings. This has led to the development of standardized language-based screening tests for dementia screening. However, screening tests that can be used for early detection of dementia often do not consider the cultural and language needs of diverse populations.
As the population of older adults begins to rise globally, there is a need for resources and programs dedicated to improving language-based dementia screening across diverse populations. Dr. Adolfo García proposes a pilot study that will develop a new initiative called the International Network for Language Assessment across Neural Disorders (INLAND) to promote culturally appropriate language in dementia screening and care.
Research Plan
Dr. García and colleagues plan to first create the framework for the new INLAND initiative by recruiting new program members, establishing leadership, securing key resources, and fostering awareness for the program across international research centers. Next, the researchers will conduct an initial INLAND pilot study that will use speech data from individuals with dementia as well as cognitively unimpaired individuals to identify cross-language speech markers of dementia. Lastly, Dr. García and team will launch a website with resources and materials about the INLAND initiative and develop an online conference series to disseminate the program’s vision and its members’ work.
Impact
If successful, this pilot study may create a new global initiative that will develop culturally and linguistically appropriate resources to improve dementia diagnosis.
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