Stroke genetics informs drug discovery and risk prediction across ancestries.

Previous genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of stroke - the second leading cause of death worldwide - were conducted predominantly in populations of European ancestry1,2. Here, in cross-ancestry GWAS meta-analyses of 110,182 patients who have had a stroke (five ancestries, 33% non-European) and 1,503,898 control individuals, we identify association signals for stroke and its subtypes at 89 (61 new) independent loci: 60 in primary inverse-variance-weighted analyses and 29 in secondary meta-regression and multitrait analyses. On the basis of internal cross-ancestry validation and an independent follow-up in 89,084 additional cases of stroke (30% non-European) and 1,013,843 control individuals, 87% of the primary stroke risk loci and 60% of the secondary stroke risk loci were replicated (P < 0.05). Effect sizes were highly correlated across ancestries. Cross-ancestry fine-mapping, in silico mutagenesis analysis3, and transcriptome-wide and proteome-wide association analyses revealed putative causal genes (such as SH3PXD2A and FURIN) and variants (such as at GRK5 and NOS3). Using a three-pronged approach4, we provide genetic evidence for putative drug effects, highlighting F11, KLKB1, PROC, GP1BA, LAMC2 and VCAM1 as possible targets, with drugs already under investigation for stroke for F11 and PROC. A polygenic score integrating cross-ancestry and ancestry-specific stroke GWASs with vascular-risk factor GWASs (integrative polygenic scores) strongly predicted ischaemic stroke in populations of European, East Asian and African ancestry5. Stroke genetic risk scores were predictive of ischaemic stroke independent of clinical risk factors in 52,600 clinical-trial participants with cardiometabolic disease. Our results provide insights to inform biology, reveal potential drug targets and derive genetic risk prediction tools across ancestries.

Extended genome-wide association study employing the African genome resources panel identifies novel susceptibility loci for Alzheimer's disease in individuals of African ancestry.

INTRODUCTION: Despite a two-fold risk, individuals of African ancestry have been underrepresented in Alzheimer's disease (AD) genomics efforts. METHODS: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of 2,903 AD cases and 6,265 controls of African ancestry. Within-dataset results were meta-analyzed, followed by functional genomics analyses. RESULTS: A novel AD-risk locus was identified in MPDZ on chromosome (chr) 9p23 (rs141610415, MAF = 0.002, P = 3.68×10-9). Two additional novel common and nine rare loci were identified with suggestive associations (P < 9×10-7). Comparison of association and linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns between datasets with higher and lower degrees of African ancestry showed differential association patterns at chr12q23.2 (ASCL1), suggesting that this association is modulated by regional origin of local African ancestry. DISCUSSION: These analyses identified novel AD-associated loci in individuals of African ancestry and suggest that degree of African ancestry modulates some associations. Increased sample sets covering as much African genetic diversity as possible will be critical to identify additional loci and deconvolute local genetic ancestry effects. HIGHLIGHTS: Genetic ancestry significantly impacts risk of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Although individuals of African ancestry are twice as likely to develop AD, they are vastly underrepresented in AD genomics studies. The Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Consortium has previously identified 16 common and rare genetic loci associated with AD in African American individuals. The current analyses significantly expand this effort by increasing the sample size and extending ancestral diversity by including populations from continental Africa. Single variant meta-analysis identified a novel genome-wide significant AD-risk locus in individuals of African ancestry at the MPDZ gene, and 11 additional novel loci with suggestive genome-wide significance at P < 9×10-7. Comparison of African American datasets with samples of higher degree of African ancestry demonstrated differing patterns of association and linkage disequilibrium at one of these loci, suggesting that degree and/or geographic origin of African ancestry modulates the effect at this locus. These findings illustrate the importance of increasing number and ancestral diversity of African ancestry samples in AD genomics studies to fully disentangle the genetic architecture underlying AD, and yield more effective ancestry-informed genetic screening tools and therapeutic interventions.

The 2022 symposium on dementia and brain aging in low- and middle-income countries: Highlights on research, diagnosis, care, and impact.

Two of every three persons living with dementia reside in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The projected increase in global dementia rates is expected to affect LMICs disproportionately. However, the majority of global dementia care costs occur in high-income countries (HICs), with dementia research predominantly focusing on HICs. This imbalance necessitates LMIC-focused research to ensure that characterization of dementia accurately reflects the involvement and specificities of diverse populations. Development of effective preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches for dementia in LMICs requires targeted, personalized, and harmonized efforts. Our article represents timely discussions at the 2022 Symposium on Dementia and Brain Aging in LMICs that identified the foremost opportunities to advance dementia research, differential diagnosis, use of neuropsychometric tools, awareness, and treatment options. We highlight key topics discussed at the meeting and provide future recommendations to foster a more equitable landscape for dementia prevention, diagnosis, care, policy, and management in LMICs. HIGHLIGHTS: Two-thirds of persons with dementia live in LMICs, yet research and costs are skewed toward HICs. LMICs expect dementia prevalence to more than double, accompanied by socioeconomic disparities. The 2022 Symposium on Dementia in LMICs addressed advances in research, diagnosis, prevention, and policy. The Nairobi Declaration urges global action to enhance dementia outcomes in LMICs.

Evaluating the knowledge of stroke management among Nigerian medical doctors.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in Nigeria. Effective stroke management is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. Few trained neurologists in Nigeria are mostly concentrated in the cities, making non-specialists the backbone of acute stroke management in Nigeria. Physicians-related factors have been identified as one of the factors leading to sub-optimal stroke care. This study aimed to describe the knowledge of medical doctors in acute stroke care and the factors responsible for the disparity in their skills. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 404 medical doctors across all the six geo-political zones in Nigeria using the Acute Stroke Management Questionnaire (ASMaQ). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and simple logistics regression to predict the relationship between independent variables and the outcome variable (good knowledge vs poor knowledge). RESULTS: 67 % (95 % CI =63-72 %) of respondents had good overall knowledge of stroke management. Most respondents [88.6 %, 95 % CI =85-92 %] had good knowledge of General Stroke Knowledge (GSK) followed by Hyperacute Stroke Management (HSM) [52.5 %, 95 % CI=47.3-57.7 %] and Advanced Stroke Management (ASM) [49.5 %, 95 %CI= 49.5-54.4 %]. Working in a primary healthcare center (PHCs) and government hospital were significant predictor of overall poor knowledge of stroke. Physicians at PHCs had 2.29 times the odds of poor knowledge compared to those in tertiary hospital CONCLUSIONS: It is essential to retrain doctors on stroke management regularly, as part of their professional development.

Towards Improving Stroke Services in Africa: Results from the Africa-UK Stroke Partnership [AUKSP] Surveys.

BACKGROUND: The African Stroke Organization (ASO) in partnership with the University of Central Lancashire's Stroke Research Team launched the Africa-UK Stroke Partnership (AUKSP). AUKSP undertook two (stroke expert and hospital Stroke Unit (SU)) on-line surveys mapping existing capacity and capability to deliver African stroke care. METHODS: An on-line expert survey tool was sent to 139 stroke experts in 54 African countries October 2021- March 2022 and the hospital SU survey to 120 hospital SUs (identified from the expert survey) June-October 2022. Both survey tools were prepared according to the World Stroke Organisation's Roadmap for Delivering Quality Stroke Care. Completed responses were exported from Qualtrics into Microsoft excel and were analysed descriptively. RESULTS: Forty-five expert responses and 62 hospital SU responses were analysed, representing 54(87%) public hospitals, 7(11%) private and 1(2%) charitable organization. In both surveys, three main priorities for improvement of stroke services were: a rapid and prompt stroke diagnosis; effective primary and secondary stroke prevention, and acute stroke management. Survey findings suggest that there is a low presence of national stroke surveillance systems and registries, and heterogeneity in availability of diagnostic services, SUs, endovascular treatments, and rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Significant gaps exist in Africa's capacity and capability to deliver essential elements of effective and quality stroke care. Tackling these challenges requires urgent and sustained multi-stakeholder action including: government, administrators, policy makers and other partners. Our survey findings highlight key priority areas for multi-stakeholder engagement and crafting of a pragmatic, prioritized and context-sensitive African Stroke Action Plan.

Effect of an Educational Intervention for Primary Stroke Risk Reduction in Ghana and Nigeria: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Using tailored mobile health interventions to improve global vascular risk awareness and control is yet to be investigated for primary stroke prevention in Africa. METHODS: This 2-arm pilot randomized controlled trial involved 100 stroke-free adults with at least 2 vascular risk factors for stroke. Eligible participants were assigned randomly to a control arm offering 1-time counseling (n=50) or a 2-month educational intervention arm (n=50) comprising a stroke video and riskometer app aimed at improving stroke risk factor awareness and health-seeking behavioral modification to control total vascular risk. Reduction in total stroke risk score was the primary outcome while feasibility and process measures were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: All enrolled participants completed the 2-month follow-up (retention rate=100%). The mean (SD) age of participants was 59.5 (±12.5) years, 38% were males. The mean change in stroke risk score at 2 months was -11.9% (±14.2) in the intervention arm versus -1.2% (±9.1) in the control arm, P=0.0001. Stroke risk awareness improved by 16.1% (±24.7) in the intervention arm versus 8.9% (±24.7) in the control arm, P=0.08. The intervention arm had 11.1 mm Hg reduction in systolic blood pressure compared with 4.8 mm Hg reduction in the control arm. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention demonstrated a positive signal of effect over a 2-month period. A definitive clinical trial with a longer duration of follow-up is warranted on the premise of these promising findings from this pilot randomized clinical trial. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifier: NCT05619406.

Non-cigarette tobacco use and stroke among West Africans: evidence from the SIREN study.

INTRODUCTION: Non-cigarette tobacco (NCT) represents a form of tobacco use with a misperceived significance in chronic disease events. Whether NCT use is sufficient to promote stroke events, especially among Africans, is yet to be understood. This study assessed the relationship between NCT use and stroke among indigenous Africans. METHODS: A total of 7,617 respondents (NCT users: 41 vs. non-NCT: 7576) from the Stroke Investigation Research and Educational Network study were included in the current analysis. NCT use was defined as self-reported use of smoked (cigars or piper) or smokeless (snuff or chewed) tobacco in the past year preceding stroke events. Stroke was defined based on clinical presentation and confirmed with a cranial CT/MRI. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression was applied to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the relationship between NCT and stroke at p<0.05. RESULTS: Out of the 41 (0.54%) who reported NCT use, 27 (65.9%) reported using smokeless NCT. NCT users were older than non-smokers (62.8±15.7 vs 57.7±14.8 years). Overall, NCT use was associated with first-ever stroke (OR: 2.08; 95%CI: 1.02, 4.23) in the entire sample. Notably, smokeless NCT use was independently associated with higher odds of stroke (OR: 2.74; 95%CI: 1.15, 6.54), but smoked NCT use (OR: 0.16; 95%CI: 0.02, 1.63) presented a statistically insignificant association after adjusting for hypertension and other covariates. CONCLUSIONS: NCT use was associated with higher odds of stroke, and public health interventions targeting NCT use might be promising in reducing the burden of stroke among indigenous Africans. IMPLICATIONS: A detailed understanding of the relationship between NCT use and stroke will likely inform well-articulated policy guidance to promote evidence-based recommendations for public health prevention and management of stroke on the African continent.

Prevalence and 1-year incidence of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) in adults aged ≥50 years attending standard HIV clinical care in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

OBJECTIVES: HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HANDs) are prevalent in older people living with HIV (PLWH) worldwide. HAND prevalence and incidence studies of the newly emergent population of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART)-treated older PLWH in sub-Saharan Africa are currently lacking. We aimed to estimate HAND prevalence and incidence using robust measures in stable, cART-treated older adults under long-term follow-up in Tanzania and report cognitive comorbidities. DESIGN: Longitudinal study. PARTICIPANTS: A systematic sample of consenting HIV-positive adults aged ≥50 years attending routine clinical care at an HIV Care and Treatment Centre during March-May 2016 and followed up March-May 2017. MEASUREMENTS: HAND by consensus panel Frascati criteria based on detailed locally normed low-literacy neuropsychological battery, structured neuropsychiatric clinical assessment, and collateral history. Demographic and etiological factors by self-report and clinical records. RESULTS: In this cohort (n = 253, 72.3% female, median age 57), HAND prevalence was 47.0% (95% CI 40.9-53.2, n = 119) despite well-managed HIV disease (Mn CD4 516 (98-1719), 95.5% on cART). Of these, 64 (25.3%) were asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment, 46 (18.2%) mild neurocognitive disorder, and 9 (3.6%) HIV-associated dementia. One-year incidence was high (37.2%, 95% CI 25.9 to 51.8), but some reversibility (17.6%, 95% CI 10.0-28.6 n = 16) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: HAND appear highly prevalent in older PLWH in this setting, where demographic profile differs markedly to high-income cohorts, and comorbidities are frequent. Incidence and reversibility also appear high. Future studies should focus on etiologies and potentially reversible factors in this setting.

A call for clinical trial globalization in Alzheimer's disease and related dementia.

BACKGROUND: The burden of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) is projected to disproportionally impact low-middle-income countries (LMICs). However, there is a systematic under-representation of LMICs in ADRD clinical trial platforms. METHODS: We aimed to determine the global distribution of ADRD clinical trials and identify existing barriers for conducting clinical trials in LMICs. Primary data sources to identify trial distribution in LMICs included ClinicalTrials.gov and the International Trials Registry Platform. An additional systematic review and expert consensus interviews were conducted to identify barriers for conducting clinical trials in LMICs. FINDINGS: Among 1237 disease-modifying therapies tested in ADRD clinical trials, only 11.6% have been or are conducted in emerging economies (upper-middle income [9.6%] and low-middle income [2.0%]). We identified several limitations for trial implementation including a lack of financial resources, low industry presence, regulatory obstacles, and operational barriers INTERPRETATION: Although LMICs bear the greatest burden of ADRD globally, substantial development of clinical trial platforms to address this inequity and health disparity is lacking.

Organized multi-disciplinary stroke team care improves acute stroke outcomes in resource limited settings; Results of a retrospective study from a Nigerian tertiary hospital.

BACKGROUND: Evidence for the impact of organized stroke multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) on outcomes in Africa is sparse. AIM: To compare stroke outcomes, before and after the establishment (September 16, 2016) of a pioneer MDT at a tertiary hospital in southern Nigeria. METHODS: Using a retrospective, observational study design, the in-patient record of all stroke patients admitted between September 2014 to September 2018 was retrieved and rigorously reviewed. 155 patients seen 2 years before the MDT were compared with 169 stroke patients seen 2 years after the MDT. Stroke severity at admission and functioning at discharge were assessed using the Stroke Levity Scale (SLS) and the modified Rankin scale (mRS). RESULTS: Mean ages (in years) were 60 pre-MDT vs 59.57 post MDT (p = 0.754). There were more males, 51% pre-MDT vs 54.2% post MDT (p = 0.565). SLS and mRS were not significantly different; severe SLS and mRS pre-MDT, 52.9% vs post-MDT, 49.4% (p = 0.727) and pre-MDT 19.4% vs post-MDT 19.5% (p = 0.685) respectively. More post-MDT patients were discharged alive, pre-MDT,56.8% vs 79.2% post MDT (p < 0.001); had swallow tests, pre-MDT 9.23% vs post-MDT 33.5% (p < 0.001); on secondary prevention, pre-MDT 67.7% vs post-MDT 78.9% (p = 0.023); had more clinic visits, pre-MDT,0.7% vs post-MDT 38.3% (p < 0.001). MDT was independently associated with lower in-hospital mortality on multivariable regression, adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% Confidence interval CI) 0.17 (0.09-0.32). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that an organized MDT may improve acute outcomes and reduce mortality in resource constrained settings where there may be no stroke units. These findings need further prospective validation.

Knowledge and perspectives of community members on risk assessment for stroke prevention using mobile health approaches in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge of community dwelling adults on stroke risk and their willingness to use mobile health (mHealth) technology in assessing their stroke risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults (≥18 years old) using survey questionnaires designed by neurologists and health promotion experts and administered by trained study staff. Logistic regression models were used to assess factors associated with receptivity toward knowing individual stroke risk score and willingness to use a mobile application (App) to assess stroke risk. RESULTS: The survey was administered to 486 participants in Nigeria, with a mean age of 47.4 ± 15.5 years, comprising 53.5% females. Up to 84% of participants wanted to know their risk for developing stroke but only 29.6% of respondents had ever previously had their stroke risk assessed. Factors associated with willingness to know stroke risk were age [aOR (95% CI): 0.97 (0.95 - 0.99)], and Hausa tribe [16.68 (2.16 - 128.92)]. Up to 66% of participants wanted to know their immediate risk of stroke, compared with 6.6% and 2.1% who wanted to know their 5-year or 10-year future stroke risks respectively. Regarding locations, participants preferred stroke risk assessment to be performed at a health facility, at home by health professional, on their own using mHealth (stroke risk calculator application), or at communal gatherings (decreasing order). About 70% specifically wished to learn about their stroke risk via an mHealth application. CONCLUSIONS: Community dwelling Nigerians wanted to know their immediate risk of stroke using digital platforms, such as a mobile phone stroke risk calculator application. Clinical trials are needed to assess the effectiveness of such a strategy for primary prevention of stroke in sub-Saharan African communities.

Are there differences in perceptions, preferences and attitudes towards disclosure of genetic testing for Stroke? A qualitative study among stroke-free SIREN-SIBS genomics study participants.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored perceptions, preferences and attitudes towards disclosure of genetic testing results for stroke among stroke-free controls (and their family members) in the SIREN-SIBS Genomics Study, healthcare providers and policymakers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a qualitative thematic analysis of key informant interviews with 61 participants recruited from community advisory boards (30) and health care providers (31) across seven sites in Nigeria and Ghana. RESULTS: Major findings illustrate differences in the knowledge of genetic testing with superior knowledge among health care professionals. Relatives and religious leaders were opined as the best to receive the disclosure as they would be able to break the news to the patient in a culturally sensitive manner to reduce the likely resultant emotional outburst. Poor level of awareness of national guidelines for disclosing genetic results exist. Key facilitating factors for disclosure are education, enabling environment, involvement of religious and community leaders, campaigns, and possible treatment options. Disclosure inhibitors include inadequate information, fear of marital break-up or family displacement, fear of stigmatization, fear of isolation, religious beliefs, health worker attitude, and lack of preparedness to accept results. CONCLUSIONS: These necessitate culturally sensitive interventions for continuing education, increased awareness and sustained engagement to equip all stakeholders in genetic testing disclosure process.

Mapping age- and sex-specific HIV prevalence in adults in sub-Saharan Africa, 2000-2018.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is still among the leading causes of disease burden and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and the world is not on track to meet targets set for ending the epidemic by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Precise HIV burden information is critical for effective geographic and epidemiological targeting of prevention and treatment interventions. Age- and sex-specific HIV prevalence estimates are widely available at the national level, and region-wide local estimates were recently published for adults overall. We add further dimensionality to previous analyses by estimating HIV prevalence at local scales, stratified into sex-specific 5-year age groups for adults ages 15-59 years across SSA. METHODS: We analyzed data from 91 seroprevalence surveys and sentinel surveillance among antenatal care clinic (ANC) attendees using model-based geostatistical methods to produce estimates of HIV prevalence across 43 countries in SSA, from years 2000 to 2018, at a 5 × 5-km resolution and presented among second administrative level (typically districts or counties) units. RESULTS: We found substantial variation in HIV prevalence across localities, ages, and sexes that have been masked in earlier analyses. Within-country variation in prevalence in 2018 was a median 3.5 times greater across ages and sexes, compared to for all adults combined. We note large within-district prevalence differences between age groups: for men, 50% of districts displayed at least a 14-fold difference between age groups with the highest and lowest prevalence, and at least a 9-fold difference for women. Prevalence trends also varied over time; between 2000 and 2018, 70% of all districts saw a reduction in prevalence greater than five percentage points in at least one sex and age group. Meanwhile, over 30% of all districts saw at least a five percentage point prevalence increase in one or more sex and age group. CONCLUSIONS: As the HIV epidemic persists and evolves in SSA, geographic and demographic shifts in prevention and treatment efforts are necessary. These estimates offer epidemiologically informative detail to better guide more targeted interventions, vital for combating HIV in SSA.

African Rigorous Innovative Stroke Epidemiological Surveillance: Protocol for a Community-Based Mobile-Health Study.

Despite projections of stroke being a leading cause of mortality in Africa, reliable estimates of stroke burden on the continent using rigorous methods are not available. We aimed to implement a mobile-Health community-based interactive Stroke Information and Surveillance System to sustainably measure stroke burden and improve stroke health literacy and outcomes in urban and rural sites in Nigeria. African Rigorous Innovative Stroke Epidemiological Surveillance (ARISES) is an observational cohort study, which will be conducted in urban (Ibadan North LGA Ward 3) and rural (Ibarapa Central LGA) sites with a combined base population of over 80,000 people. The study will use a consultative approach to establish an mHealth-based Stroke Information and Surveillance System comprising a Stroke Alert System and a Stroke Finding System. These systems will enable the community to report stroke events and the research team/health workers find stroke cases using phone calls, short message service, and Voice Over Internet Protocols (VoIP). We will update community household data and geo-locate all households. Over the 5 years of the study, the system will collect information on stroke events and educate the community about this disease. Reported stroke cases will be clinically adjudicated at home and in prespecified health facilities. Baseline and endline community surveys will be conducted to assess stroke occurrence and other important study variables. The proportion of strokes alerted and found will be determined over the study period. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews will be conducted to understand community stroke literacy and perspectives. The study will also assess any impact of these efforts on time from stroke onset to referral, community uptake of orthodox health services for stroke patients. ARISES is anticipated to establish proof of concept about using mHealth for stroke surveillance in Africa. The potential impact of the SISS on improving patient outcomes will also be determined.

Pre-Stroke Depression in Ghana and Nigeria: Prevalence, Predictors and Association With Poststroke Depression.

OBJECTIVES: Depression is a risk factor for stroke. There is a knowledge gap on the predictors of prestroke depression in stroke survivors living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We estimated prevalence and predictors of prestroke depression, as well as its association with poststroke depression (PSD) in the largest study of stroke in Africa. METHODS: We evaluated information collected as part of the Stroke Investigative Research and Education Network (SIREN) study, a multicentre, case-control study conducted at 15 sites in Ghana and Nigeria. Prestroke depression status was ascertained in stroke survivors using a validated self-report tool, while PSD was assessed using a stroke specific screening tool for depression ("HRQOLISP-E"). Independent associations were investigated using complementary log-log regression and binary logit models. RESULTS: Among 1,977 participants, prestroke depression was found in 141 (7.1%). In multivariate analyses, prestroke depression was significantly associated with tachycardia (OR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.37-3.56) and low consumption of green leafy vegetables (OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.12-3.24). Forty-one (29.1%) of the prestroke depression sub-sample developed PSD. However, prestroke depression was not significantly associated with PSD. CONCLUSION: The findings should energize before-the-stroke identification and prioritization of limited treatment resources in LMICs to persons with depression who have multiple, additional, risks of stroke.

Dementia in Africa: Current evidence, knowledge gaps, and future directions.

In tandem with the ever-increasing aging population in low and middle-income countries, the burden of dementia is rising on the African continent. Dementia prevalence varies from 2.3% to 20.0% and incidence rates are 13.3 per 1000 person-years with increasing mortality in parts of rapidly transforming Africa. Differences in nutrition, cardiovascular factors, comorbidities, infections, mortality, and detection likely contribute to lower incidence. Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-associated neurocognitive disorders are the most common dementia subtypes. Comprehensive longitudinal studies with robust methodology and regional coverage would provide more reliable information. The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele is most studied but has shown differential effects within African ancestry compared to Caucasian. More candidate gene and genome-wide association studies are needed to relate to dementia phenotypes. Validated culture-sensitive cognitive tools not influenced by education and language differences are critically needed for implementation across multidisciplinary groupings such as the proposed African Dementia Consortium.

The African Stroke Organization Conference 2021: Building Capacity, Careers, Collaborations, and Contributions.

The inaugural African Stroke Organization Conference (ASOC) aimed to create a forum to discuss the latest stroke science, highlight opportunities to address the high burden of stroke in Africa, develop a viable pipeline of emerging African stroke researchers, honor leading scientists and policy makers, and provide networking avenues to bolster future collaboration. Using a virtual platform, ASOC was held from Nov 3-4, 2021, and was attended by 236 participants. ASOC 2021 sessions included: (1) Osuntokun Award Lecture delivered by Prof. Richard Walker of Newcastle University; (2) Distinguished Policy Maker Lecture delivered by Dr. Raj Tajudeen of the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; (3) Invited presentations by prominent global stroke academicians on acute stroke, vascular malformations, vascular brain injury, Covid-19, nursing/allied care, rehabilitation/recovery, health services, imaging, pediatric stroke, precision medicine, and unusual causes of stroke; (4) six oral scientific abstract presentations; and (5) fifteen moderated oral poster presentations. Other sessions were (i) Vascular Brain Trust where early career African scholars presented manuscripts and grant proposals under development for feedback from seasoned researchers (ii) Moving on Up during which presentations were given to early career scholars about pathways for success in funding and advancement. A capstone event was the Frontiers of Research in Africa session which showcased the work and capabilities of 20 scientists and sites in Africa. All the ASOC sessions were lively and post-conference feedback from attendees showed high levels of satisfaction for the conference platforms and content. The ASOC marks a new dawn in the era of an escalating stroke burden in Africa, and it is anticipated to serve as a catalyst for exponentially building the capacity, careers, collaborations, and contributions of Africans to ameliorating stroke within and beyond the continent.

Differential associations between pre-diabetes, diabetes and stroke occurrence among West Africans.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data from Africa on the burden and associations between pre-diabetes (pre-DM), diabetes mellitus (DM) and stroke occurrence in a region experiencing a profound rise in stroke burden. PURPOSE: To characterize the associations between stroke and dysglycemic status among West Africans. METHODS: The Stroke Investigative Research and Educational Network (SIREN) is a multicenter, case-control study involving 15 sites in Ghana and Nigeria. Cases include adults aged ≥18 years with clinical and radiological evidence of an acute stroke. Controls were age-and-gender matched stroke-free adults. Detailed evaluations for vascular factors were performed. Pre-diabetes was defined as HBA1c of 5.7%-6.4% or Fasting blood glucose (FBG) 5.6-7.0 mmol/L and DM as HBA1c >6.5% or FBG>7.0 mmol/L. We used conditional logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% Confidence Interval. RESULTS: Among 2,935 stroke cases the mean age was 60.0 ± 14.2 years with 55.2% being males. By glycemic status, 931 (31.7%) were euglycemic, 633 (21.6%) had Pre-diabetes and 1371 (46.7%) had DM. Of the age- and sex-matched stroke-free controls 69.2% were euglycemic, 13.3% had pre-DM and 17.5% had DM. Pre-DM [aOR (95% CI): 3.68(2.61-5.21)] and DM [4.29 (3.19-5.74)] were independently associated with stroke. The aOR of Pre-DM for ischemic stroke 3.06 (2.01-4.64)] was lower than 4.82 (3.37-6.89) for DM. However, the aOR of Pre-DM for hemorrhagic stroke 6.81 (95% CI: 3.29 - 14.08)] was higher than 3.36 (1.94-5.86) for DM. Furthermore, the aOR of pre-DM for ischemic stroke subtypes were 9.64 (1.30-71.57) for cardio-embolic stroke, 3.64 (1.80-7.34) for small-vessel occlusive disease and 4.63 (0.80-26.65) for large-vessel disease. CONCLUSION: Pre-DM is strongly and independently associated with stroke in Africans. Improving glycemic control through screening, healthy lifestyle and pharmacotherapy at a population level may be strategic in reducing the rising burden of stroke in Africa.

Legal Implications of Stroke Biobanking and Genomics Research in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Stroke is a major cause of death in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and genetic factors appear to play a part. This has led to stroke biobanking and genomics research in SSA. Existing stroke studies have focused on causes, incidence rates, fatalities and effects. However, scant attention has been paid to the legal issues in stroke biobanking and genomics research in the sub-region. Therefore, this article examines the legal implications of stroke biobanking and genomics research in SSA. The article adopts a textual analysis of primary and secondary sources in law. It reports that there are laws from the perspectives of human right, the common law, and intellectual property. However, there are gaps to be filled. The article therefore argues for legislative intervention. It concludes that pending the time the statute will be enacted, genomics researchers in Africa should adopt the ethical guidelines prepared by Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3 Africa).