RSU launches Baltic-German cooperation project to strengthen dementia research methodology

A new Baltic-German cooperation project is being launched at Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU), involving the development of a training programme focused on learning and applying a unified research methodology for studies on cognitive disorders.

The project ‘From Community Screening to Imaging: Training for the Early Detection of Cognitive Decline in Baltic-German Cooperation’ is implemented within the framework of the Baltic-German University Liaison Office and is supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with funding from the Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany. The consortium is made up of Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU, Latvia), Vilnius University (VU, Lithuania), Jena University Hospital (JUH, Germany), providing opportunities for mutually complementary experience in imaging and biomarkers (VU), test adaptation (RSU) and clinical dementia research (JUK) with the aim of educating early-career researchers in Latvia, Lithuania and Germany. The project manager at Vilnius University is Prof. Dr. Inga Griškova-Bulanova. PhD Kristīne Šneidere (RSU), Lead Researcher at the Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy, will provide expertise in cognitive reserve research and cognitive assessment.

Early detection of dementia is crucial for timely intervention, which can delay disease progression, improve quality of life and reduce the burden on healthcare and social care institutions. However, current practice remains fragmented: assessment tools are not adapted to local populations, biomarkers are not fully integrated into practice, and methodological differences complicate research replicability, thereby reducing the credibility of results. To address this gap, the project places a particular emphasis on training early-career researchers and fostering future cooperation to strengthen evidence-based practice. It highlights Baltic-German cooperation by combining methodological expertise, clinical perspectives and innovative functional imaging methods.

The project’s innovation lies in the integration of accessible and scalable functional biomarkers (EEG, fNIRS, eye tracking) into a coordinated system that includes test adaptation and clinical cohort development. Capacity building is the central component and will be supported through seminars, practical training and a closing conference. The aim of the initiative is not only to expand the knowledge of early-career and future researchers, but also to develop essential research skills, such as preparing systematic and scoping reviews, developing methodological teaching materials and drafting recommendations.

Project implementation: 2 February 2026 – 31 October 2026

Project funding: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with funding from the Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany