The Egyptian Dementia Network (EDN): Baseline characteristics from the first dementia registry in an African Arab country

INTRODUCTION Dementia is a growing public health challenge in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) like Egypt, where data are scarce. The Egyptian Dementia Network (EDN) registry addresses this gap by capturing epidemiological, clinical, and environmental data across Egypt. METHODS In this multicenter study, 662 participants from six governorates were enrolled using standardized tools. RESULTS The cohort had advanced age (mean 68.3 years), low education (65.9% illiterate), and high comorbidities including hypertension (55%) and diabetes (23%). Alzheimer's disease (62%) and vascular dementia (23%) predominated. Only 24.4% received pharmacological treatment and 2.1% psychosocial support, highlighting care gaps. Household insecticide exposure (20.4%) was notable. DISCUSSION EDN demonstrates the feasibility of implementing a national dementia registry in LMICs, generating baseline insights into demographic, clinical, and environmental risks. In addition, registry‐linked biosamples have enabled pilot multi‑omics and exposome analyses, underscoring its potential as a scalable scientific platform for future dementia research. Highlights Established Egypt's first national, multicenter dementia registry. Aimed to characterize dementia profiles and care gaps across diverse regions. Identified late‐stage diagnosis and limited access to dementia interventions. Uncovered unique environmental risk factors relevant to the Egyptian context. Provides a foundation for policy, research, and improved dementia care in Egypt.