The impact of sars-cov-2 in dementia across latin america: A call for an urgent regional plan and coordinated response

Agustin Ibanez, Hernando Santamaria-Garcia, Alejandra Guerrero Barragan, Alexander Kornhuber, Alyne Mendonca Marques Ton, Andrea Slachevsky, Antonio Lucio Teixeira, Beatriz Marcela Mar Meza, Cecilia M. Serrano, Carlos Cano, Carolina Arias Gonzalez, Christian Gonzalez-Billault, Christopher Butler, Julian Bustin, Claudia Duran-Aniotz, Daisy Acosta, Diana L. Matallana, Diego Acosta-Alvear, Dominic Trépel, Elisa De Paula França ResendeFabricio Ferreira de Oliveira, Francisco Ibanez, Fernanda G. De Felice, Gorka Navarrete, Ioannis Tarnanas, Irene B. Meier, Jerusa Smid, Jorge Llibre-Guerra, Juan J. Llibre-Rodriguez, Laís Fajersztajn, Leonel Tadao Takada, Lissette Duque, Maira Okada de Oliveira, Maria Aparecida Camargos Bicalho, María Isabel Behrens, Maritza Pintado-Caipa, Mario Parra, Maxwell Z. Wilson, Myriam De La CruPuebla, Nilton Custodio, Rodrigo Santibanez, Rodrigo Bernardo Serafim, Ronnielly Melo Tavares, Stefanie Danielle Piña Escudero, Tomas Leon Rodriguez, Walter Dawson, Bruce L. Miller, Kenneth S. Kosik

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere12092
JournalAlzheimer's and Dementia: Translational Research and Clinical Interventions
Volume6
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2020

Keywords

  • Coronavirus
  • Dementia
  • Health system
  • Latin American and Caribbean countries
  • SARS-CoV-2

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