Limited knowledge on dementia biomarkers in Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries remains a serious barrier. Here, we reported a survey to explore the ongoing work, needs, interests, potential barriers, and opportunities for future studies related to biomarkers. The results show that neuroimaging is the most used biomarker (73%), followed by genetic studies (40%), peripheral fluids biomarkers (31%), and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers (29%). Regarding barriers in LAC, lack of funding appears to undermine the implementation of biomarkers in clinical or research settings, followed by insufficient infrastructure and training. The survey revealed that despite the above barriers, the region holds a great potential to advance dementia biomarkers research.Considering the unique contributions that LAC could make to this growing field, we highlight the urgent need to expand biomarker research. These insights allowed us to propose an action plan that addresses the recommendations for a biomarker framework recently proposed by regional experts.

Figure copying and constructional abilities were examined in 15 healthy adult participants qualifying for illiteracy, following UNESCO criteria. A set of 14 figures was used for copying, 3 of them in perspective. Four figures of the same protocol were used to reproduce with sticks. Mean age of the sample was of 63.86 years old. They were matched for age and gender to schooled (6-7 years) controls. Illiteracy was due to social, cultural or economic factors. The most frequent and relevant findings were an inability to reproduce the perspective (13/15), unfolding (4/15) and unstructured copying (3/15). No errors were made on the stick construction task. None of these findings appeared in control subjects. The pattern is similar to that reported mostly in left-hemisphere lesion patients. Neglecting the cultural or academic background may, then, bias interpretation in these tasks.

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