From Community Screening to Neuroimaging: Training for Early Detection of Cognitive Decline in Baltic–German Collaboration

Cognitive decline, culminating in dementia, poses a significant public health challenge in Europe. Early detection is crucial for timely interventions that delay deterioration, enhance quality of life, and reduce hospital burdens, while also fostering low-cost prevention in community settings. However, current practices are fragmented: assessment tools lack adaptation to local populations, biomarkers are not fully integrated into practice, and methodological variability complicates reproducibility in research. To address these challenges, this project seeks to bridge the gap between community screening and advanced neuroimaging for early detection. It emphasizes Baltic–German cooperation, combining methodological expertise, clinical perspectives, and innovative functional neuroimaging techniques. The project’s novelty lies in integrating accessible and scalable functional biomarkers (EEG, fNIRS, eye tracking) within a cohesive framework that includes test adaptation and clinical cohort development. Capacity-building is a core component, facilitated through workshops, bootcamps, and a conference. These initiatives aim to equip both early-career and established researchers with essential skills, leading to outputs like systematic review protocols and methodological frameworks that extend beyond the project's duration. The consortium includes Vilnius University (VU, Lithuania), Riga Stradiņš University (RSU, Latvia), and Universitätsklinikum Jena (UKJ, Germany), leveraging complementary strengths: VU in neuroimaging and biomarkers, RSU in test adaptation, and Jena in clinical dementia research. Objectives include strengthening Baltic–German collaboration in dementia research, enhancing researchers' skills in various methodologies, developing systematic review protocols for joint publications, and fostering a sustainable Baltic-German network for future projects. German language will be integrated through the project’s dissemination and visibility materials. Informational notes shared during social media campaigns will be provided in native (Lithuanian, Latvian), English and German languages to strengthen the project’s visibility within the German–Baltic research community.