This review provides an in-depth exploration of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in a global context, emphasizing the need for a cross-cultural neuropsychological perspective. The study underscores the critical role of cultural variables in understanding and assessing neurological disorders. It also highlights the importance of considering language, country of origin, and race in cognitive neuroscience and critically examines the historical and scientific application of race in research.

The study further emphasizes how cultural factors impact cognitive processes and the construction of mental functions, and how these in turn affect neuropsychological assessments. The review also delves into the role of education in AD, discussing how higher education can delay the onset of AD by boosting cognitive reserve, but may also lead to more rapid progression post-diagnosis. Furthermore, the review calls for more inclusive and comprehensive research that encompasses diverse ethnoracial groups. It suggests steps such as focusing on groups with high AD prevalence, acknowledging within-group diversity, and developing universal socio-economic and educational assessments to better understand and address the complexities of AD in different cultural contexts.

Reference: Rosselli M, Uribe IV, Ahne E, Shihadeh L. Culture, Ethnicity, and Level of Education in Alzheimer’s Disease. Neurotherapeutics. 2022;19(1):26-54. doi: 10.1007/s13311-022-01193-z.