Advancements in dementia research, diagnostics, and care in Latin America: Highlights from the 2023 Alzheimer's Association International conference satellite symposium in Mexico City
Ana Luisa Sosa, Sonia MD Brucki, Lucía Crivelli, Francisco Lopera, Daisy M Acosta, Juliana Acosta‐Uribe, Diego Alonso Gómez Aguilar, Sara G. Aguilar-Navarro, Ricardo Allegri, Paulo Henrique Ferreira Bertolucci, Ismael Luis Calandri, María C. Carrillo, Patricio Alexis Chrem Mendez, Mario Cornejo‐Olivas, Nilton Custodio, Andrés Damián, Leonardo Cruz de Souza, Claudia Duran‐Aniotz, Adolfo M. García, Carmen García‐Peña, Mitzi M. Gonzales, Lea T. Grinberg, Agustín Ibáñez, Maryenela Illanes‐Manrique, Clifford R. Jack, Jorge M Leon‐Salas, Jorge J. Llibre‐Guerra, José Luna‐Muñoz, Diana Matallana, Bruce L. Miller, Lorina Naçi, Mario A. Parra, Margaret A. Pericak‐Vance, Stefanie Danielle Piña‐Escudero, Elisa de Paula França Resende, John M. Ringman, Gustavo Sevlever, Andrea Slachevsky, Cláudia Kimie Suemoto, Victor Valcour, Andrés Villegas‐Lanau, Mônica Sanches Yassuda, Simin Mahinrad, Claire E. Sexton
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: While Latin America (LatAm) is facing an increasing burden of dementia due to the rapid aging of the population, it remains underrepresented in dementia research, diagnostics, and care. METHODS: In 2023, the Alzheimer's Association hosted its eighth satellite symposium in Mexico, highlighting emerging dementia research, priorities, and challenges within LatAm. RESULTS: Significant initiatives in the region, including intracountry support, showcased their efforts in fostering national and international collaborations; genetic studies unveiled the unique genetic admixture in LatAm; researchers conducting emerging clinical trials discussed ongoing culturally specific interventions; and the urgent need to harmonize practices and studies, improve diagnosis and care, and use affordable biomarkers in the region was highlighted. DISCUSSION: The myriad of topics discussed at the 2023 AAIC satellite symposium highlighted the growing research efforts in LatAm, providing valuable insights into dementia biology, genetics, epidemiology, treatment, and care.