The impact of SARS-CoV-2 in dementia across Latin America: A call for an urgent regional plan and coordinated response.

TitleThe impact of SARS-CoV-2 in dementia across Latin America: A call for an urgent regional plan and coordinated response.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsIbanez A, Santamaria-Garcia H, Barragan AGuerrero, Kornhuber A, Ton AMendonca M, Slachevsky A, Teixeira ALucio, Meza BMarcela Ma, Serrano CM, Cano C, Gonzalez CArias, Gonzalez-Billault C, Butler C, Bustin J, Duran-Aniotz C, Acosta D, Matallana DL, Acosta-Alvear D, Trépel D, Resende EDe Paula F, de Oliveira FFerreira, Ibanez F, De Felice FG, Navarrete G, Tarnanas I, Meier IB, Smid J, Llibre-Guerra J, Llibre-Rodriguez JJ, Fajersztajn L, Takada LTadao, Duque L, de Oliveira MOkada, Bicalho MAparecida, Behrens MIsabel, Pintado-Caipa M, Parra M, Wilson MZ, Puebla MDe La Cruz, Custodio N, Santibanez R, Serafim RBernardo, Tavares RMelo, Escudero SDanielle P, Rodriguez TLeon, Dawson W, Miller BL, Kosik KS
JournalAlzheimers Dement (N Y)
Volume6
Issue1
Paginatione12092
Date Published2020
ISSN2352-8737
Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 global pandemic will disproportionately impact countries with weak economies and vulnerable populations including people with dementia. Latin American and Caribbean countries (LACs) are burdened with unstable economic development, fragile health systems, massive economic disparities, and a high prevalence of dementia. Here, we underscore the selective impact of SARS-CoV-2 on dementia among LACs, the specific strain on health systems devoted to dementia, and the subsequent effect of increasing inequalities among those with dementia in the region. Implementation of best practices for mitigation and containment faces particularly steep challenges in LACs. Based upon our consideration of these issues, we urgently call for a coordinated action plan, including the development of inexpensive mass testing and multilevel regional coordination for dementia care and related actions. Brain health diplomacy should lead to a shared and escalated response across the region, coordinating leadership, and triangulation between governments and international multilateral networks.

DOI10.1002/trc2.12092
Alternate JournalAlzheimers Dement (N Y)
PubMed ID33283036
PubMed Central IDPMC7683959
Grant ListR01 AG057234 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States