Dementia research in low-income and middle-income countries - a view from Latin America

Abstract

Dementia research, and research in general, has historically been scarce in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, a high burden of dementia is faced by these regions, with a higher prevalence compared with high-income countries, worsened by low control of modifiable risk factors, poverty, low levels of education and limited access to care. Researchers in LMICs face many challenges owing to a lack of funding, scarce resources and equipment and brain drain. However, LMICs also offer opportunities because of their large urban populations and ethnic and cultural diversity. In recent years, interactions between researchers from high-income countries and LMICs have increased, but have largely followed a neocolonial model with little benefit for LMIC researchers. The time has come to address the north-south inequality with collaborative models that can help to reverse this reality. In this Review, we outline the challenges faced by dementia researchers in LMICs and propose a win-win model to improve and develop research in LMICs that includes regional and international collaborations, international fundraising and the democratization of science. This approach will enable LMIC researchers not only to obtain data and samples for research but also to build local capacity and ultimately improve dementia care for populations in LMICs.