TY - JOUR
T1 - Dementia in Latin America: Assessing the present and envisioning the future
AU - Parra Rodriguez, Mario
AU - Baez, Sandra
AU - Allegri, Ricardo
AU - Nitrini, Ricardo
AU - Lopera, Francisco
AU - Slachevsky, Andrea
AU - Custodio, Nilton
AU - Lira, David
AU - Piguet, Olivier
AU - Kumfor, Fiona
AU - Huepe, David
AU - Cogram, Patricia
AU - Bak, Thomas
AU - Manes, Facundo
AU - Ibáñez, Agustín M.
PY - 2018/1/30
Y1 - 2018/1/30
N2 - The demographic structure of Latin American countries (LAC) is fast approaching that of developing countries, and the predicted prevalence of dementia in the former already exceeds the latter. Dementia has been declared a global challenge, yet regions around the world show differences in both the nature and magnitude of such a challenge. This paper provides evidence and insights on barriers which, if overcome, would enable the harmonization of strategies to tackle the dementia challenge in LAC. First, we analyze the lack of available epidemiological data, the need for standardizing clinical practice and improving physicians’ training, and the existing barriers regarding resources, culture and stigmas. We discuss how these are preventing timely care and research. Regarding specific health actions, most LAC have minimal mental health facilities, do not have specific mental health policies, or budgets specific to dementia. In addition, local regulations may need consider the regional context when developing treatment and prevention strategies. The support needed nationally and internationally to enable a smooth and timely transition of LAC, to a position which integrates global strategies is highlighted. We focus on shared issues of poverty, cultural barriers, and socioeconomic vulnerability. We identify avenues for collaboration aimed to study unique populations, improve valid assessment methods, and generate opportunities for translational research, thus establishing a regional network. The issues identified here, point to future specific actions aimed at tackling the silent tsunami of dementia in LAC.
AB - The demographic structure of Latin American countries (LAC) is fast approaching that of developing countries, and the predicted prevalence of dementia in the former already exceeds the latter. Dementia has been declared a global challenge, yet regions around the world show differences in both the nature and magnitude of such a challenge. This paper provides evidence and insights on barriers which, if overcome, would enable the harmonization of strategies to tackle the dementia challenge in LAC. First, we analyze the lack of available epidemiological data, the need for standardizing clinical practice and improving physicians’ training, and the existing barriers regarding resources, culture and stigmas. We discuss how these are preventing timely care and research. Regarding specific health actions, most LAC have minimal mental health facilities, do not have specific mental health policies, or budgets specific to dementia. In addition, local regulations may need consider the regional context when developing treatment and prevention strategies. The support needed nationally and internationally to enable a smooth and timely transition of LAC, to a position which integrates global strategies is highlighted. We focus on shared issues of poverty, cultural barriers, and socioeconomic vulnerability. We identify avenues for collaboration aimed to study unique populations, improve valid assessment methods, and generate opportunities for translational research, thus establishing a regional network. The issues identified here, point to future specific actions aimed at tackling the silent tsunami of dementia in LAC.
KW - DEMENTIA
KW - assessment of dementia
KW - diagnostic test assessment
KW - all practice management
U2 - 10.1212/WNL.0000000000004897
DO - 10.1212/WNL.0000000000004897
M3 - Article
C2 - 29305437
SN - 0028-3878
VL - 90
SP - 222
EP - 231
JO - Neurology
JF - Neurology
IS - 5
ER -