The include network: Advancing cross-linguistic equity in brain health research
García AM, de Leon J, Alladi S, Battista P, Birba A, Cappa SF, Costa Beber B, Jiang J, Kemmerer D, Montembeault M, Orozco-Arroyave JR, Gorno-Tempini ML, Tee BL (2026)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2026
Journal
Book Volume: 22
Article Number: e71551
Journal Issue: 6
DOI: 10.1002/alz.71551
Abstract
Speech and language measures are increasingly recognized as sensitive, scalable, non-invasive markers of diverse brain disorders. Yet, current research is overwhelmingly English-centric, neglecting the world's vast linguistic diversity and undermining these markers’ global applicability. Here we present the International Network for Cross-Linguistic Research on Brain Health (Include), a multicentric initiative created to address this gap (https://include-network.com/). First, we review the network's origins, mission, and organizational structure. Then, we summarize key milestones achieved during its first 4 years, spanning cross-linguistic empirical studies, harmonized data-governance frameworks, and global dissemination efforts. We further highlight flagship projects demonstrating how linguistic typology and culture shape speech-language markers of neurodegeneration. Finally, we outline critical challenges and opportunities for the field, focusing on language underrepresentation, tool harmonization, regulatory heterogeneity, and expansion beyond neurodegeneration. Together, these efforts position Include as a strategic platform for fostering equitable, globally relevant brain-health research.
Involved external institutions
University of California San Francisco (UCSF)
United States (USA) (US)
National Institute of Mental Health and Neuroscience (NIMHANS)
India (IN)
Istituti Clinici Scientifici (ICS) Maugeri Spa
Italy (IT)
Universidad de San Andrés
Argentina (AR)
Scuola Superiore Studi Pavia IUSS
Italy (IT)
Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre
Brazil (BR)
University College London (UCL)
United Kingdom (GB)
Purdue University
United States (USA) (US)
Douglas Research Centre / Le Centre de Recherche Douglas
Canada (CA)
Universidad de Antioquía (UDEA)
Colombia (CO)
United States (USA) (US)
National Institute of Mental Health and Neuroscience (NIMHANS)
India (IN)
Istituti Clinici Scientifici (ICS) Maugeri Spa
Italy (IT)
Universidad de San Andrés
Argentina (AR)
Scuola Superiore Studi Pavia IUSS
Italy (IT)
Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre
Brazil (BR)
University College London (UCL)
United Kingdom (GB)
Purdue University
United States (USA) (US)
Douglas Research Centre / Le Centre de Recherche Douglas
Canada (CA)
Universidad de Antioquía (UDEA)
Colombia (CO)
How to cite
APA:
García, A.M., de Leon, J., Alladi, S., Battista, P., Birba, A., Cappa, S.F.,... Tee, B.L. (2026). The include network: Advancing cross-linguistic equity in brain health research. Alzheimers & Dementia, 22(6). https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.71551
MLA:
García, Adolfo M., et al. "The include network: Advancing cross-linguistic equity in brain health research." Alzheimers & Dementia 22.6 (2026).
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