Dementia in Latin America and the Caribbean: Prevalence, Incidence, Impact, and Trends over Time

Abstract

The chapter Dementia in Latin America and the Caribbean: Prevalence, Incidence, Impact, and Trends over Time, is part of the publication series titled “Decade of Healthy Aging: situation and challenges”. This document aims to provide an outline of the current situation in Latin America and the Caribbean in respect of the prevalence and incidence of dementia and its impact on the health status of older people. As dementia is a significant global health problem which also has social and economic impacts this document highlights the importance of monitoring dementia in the region. The document evidences that dementia is one of the main contributors to dependence and disability in older people in Latin America and the Caribbean and, although its prevalence and incidence increase exponentially with age, it is not part of normal aging. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common dementia, and there is no cure for this condition, but with timely diagnosis is possible to ameliorate symptoms. It is important to assess what are the needs of people leaving with dementia and their families and to integrate dementia risk reduction strategies in pre-existing strategies for other non-communicable diseases. As shown in the report, despite the huge burden dementia is still underdiagnosed, and it is fundamental to better monitor its prevalence, incidence and the different societal impact that dementia can have. For that, it is crucial to promote the use of harmonized methodologies to address this information in a broader number of studies and countries in the region. This can contribute to the generation of direct actions to decrease dementia risk and lead to healthier lives for people with dementia and their families.

Advancements in dementia research, diagnostics, and care in Latin America: Highlights from the 2023 Alzheimer's Association International conference satellite symposium in Mexico City

“…Their findings demonstrate that the prevalence of dementia across LatAm is more similar than previously reported, ranging from 6.7% to 12.6% in 2008. 2 , 9 , 10 According to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD), the prevalence of dementia in LatAm in 2019 was the highest in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. 2 A recent systematic review and meta‐analyses reported that the prevalence of all‐cause dementia in LatAm is 8% to 10%, with a higher prevalence for women, lower‐educated individuals, and rural residents.…”

“… 2 , 9 , 10 According to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD), the prevalence of dementia in LatAm in 2019 was the highest in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. 2 A recent systematic review and meta‐analyses reported that the prevalence of all‐cause dementia in LatAm is 8% to 10%, with a higher prevalence for women, lower‐educated individuals, and rural residents. 11 The GBD estimates also suggested a 205% increase in the number of people aged 60 and above in the region between 2010 and 2015, compared to a 102% increase in North America.…”

“…A coordinated global response, coupled with prioritizing research efforts, is imperative to effectively address the global burden of ADRD. 1,2 Since 2015, the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) has hosted AAIC satellite symposiums in various world regions to highlight regional research advancements in ADRD and foster international collaborations aimed at identifying research gaps and priorities for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.…”

“…A coordinated global response, coupled with prioritizing research efforts, is imperative to effectively address the global burden of ADRD. 1 , 2 Since 2015, the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) has hosted AAIC satellite symposiums in various world regions to highlight regional research advancements in ADRD and foster international collaborations aimed at identifying research gaps and priorities for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. In 2023, the eighth AAIC Satellite Symposium was hosted in partnership with the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) in Mexico City, Mexico, to explore emerging approaches, priorities, and challenges in ADRD research within Latin America (LatAm).…”

“…Latin American countries are encumbered by increased ADRD prevalence and incidence due to a rapid demographic shift with accelerated growth of the aging population. 2 , 3 Such trends place profound healthcare, social, and economic burdens on patients, caregivers, public health, and social systems. 4 , 5 A growing body of evidence also highlights the underrepresentation of vulnerable populations in LatAm in dementia research and healthcare settings.…”