Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia and a tremendous source of suffering worldwide. Since available treatments exclusively address symptoms but not the disease course, preventive interventions are of vital importance. And due to the multicausality of AD, computational systems models will likely be crucial for informing the design of prevention trials.
Using group model building, we have developed a causal loop diagram (CLD) together with domain experts [1]. This CLD graphically describes the relationships between (modifiable) risk factors and other causal mechanisms in non-familial AD. We applied centrality analysis to the CLD and then developed a proof-of-concept system dynamics model from it to assess the relative effects of modifiable risk factors on cognitive decline.
In this way, we elucidate possible leverage points and demonstrate the potential of systems-oriented approaches for unravelling AD.
References
[1] Uleman, Jeroen F., et al. "Mapping the multicausality of Alzheimer’s disease through group model building." GeroScience (2020): 1-15.