Prevalence of Alzheimer′s disease in rural and urban areas in Cuba and factors influencing on its occurrence: epidemiological cross-sectional protocol

INTRODUCTION: According to the World Alzheimer’s Report 2019, around 50 million people suffer from dementia, worldwide. Observational analysis revealed the existence of particular factors associated with the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). There are no international homogeneous principles for the early detection and evaluation of memory impairment and possible AD. This work aimed at (1) determining the prevalence of possible AD in the elderly residing in urban and rural regions in Cuba and (2) identifying the main factors that could significantly influence on its occurrence. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The study includes four neuropsychological tests (Clock Drawing Test, Mini-Mental Status Examination, Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire, Cognitive and Non-Cognitive Alzheimer′s Disease Assessment Scale) and two scales (Clinical Dementia Rating and Global Deterioration Scale). Moreover, the protocol includes a survey with demographic and socioeconomic information, educational level, occupation, health, neuropsychological status of subjects, familial pathological history, comorbidities and lifestyles. The study will comprise a total of 1092 subjects aged ≥60, of both genders, and from every ethnic group settled in rural and urban areas. Primary outcomes: prevalence of possible AD. Secondary outcomes: correlation among risk and protective factors and AD, and comparison of the performance of neuropsychological tests and scales. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This research met the ethical codes of the Declaration of Helsinki. The Scientific Research Council of the Promoting Research Institute and the Ethics Committee of the Health Authorities approved the protocol. The proper written informed consent is also incorporated. The results of the survey will be published in scientific papers and shared with the Health Authorities of each municipality.