Midlife cognitive testing in Africa: validity of the Harmonised Cognitive Assessment Protocol in the Kenya Life Panel Survey.

Alden L Gross, Madeline Duhon, Eric Ochieng, Jean N Ikanga, William H Dow, Jinkook Lee, Michael W Walker, Michelle Layvant, Anthony Ngugi, Joshua R Ehrlich, Edward A Miguel

Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. · pubmed

Paper

Abstract

Cohort studies of ageing and cognitive decline typically do not begin fielding comprehensive cognitive assessments until older adulthood. However, for identifying preventable dementia risk factors, there is strong value in beginning at earlier ages. The case is especially compelling in sub-Saharan Africa, where the number of older individuals is expected to triple in the next three decades, and where risk factors may operate more intensively at earlier ages. This study reports on the adaptation and validity of the Harmonised Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP) approach in the Kenya Life Panel Survey (KLPS), collected among middle-aged respondents.

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Research summary

The paper claims that the Harmonised Cognitive Assessment Protocol is valid for assessing cognitive function in middle-aged individuals in Kenya. This research is relevant as it addresses cognitive decline and potential dementia risk factors at earlier ages, which is crucial for understanding and potentially mitigating age-related cognitive decline in a rapidly aging population.

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