Anatomy and Cell Biology Publications

Title

World dementia One approach does not fit all

Document Type

Review

Publication Date

8-7-2018

Issue

6

Journal

Neurology

Volume

91

First Page

264

Last Page

270

URL with Digital Object Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000005941

Abstract

Objective To highlight the broad global diversity in the diagnosis, management, and research of dementia in different regions of the world. Methods A critical review of the limited literature from the global South compared with advances that have emerged from key studies in the West and observations from the authors' experiences. Results The last several decades have witnessed major advances in dementia research and include an understanding of epidemiologic trends in the global burden of disease, the development of biomarkers for Alzheimer disease, the identification of novel therapeutic targets, and the recognition of the role of protective life-course experiential factors. For the effective translation of these research advances into societies, a "world approach" to dementia is vital. Developing societies substantially differ from Western countries in their attitudes toward dementia, as well as their clinical manifestations and risk factor profiles, marked by lower education and socioeconomic status, a higher cardiovascular disease burden, and genetic variability. Emerging evidence emphasizes the interaction among ethnicity, genetics, epigenetics, environment, culture, and neurobiology in influencing manifestations of dementia. Therefore, the investigation of dementia in diverse settings, including a more global perspective, is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the condition as well as the identification of novel solutions. Conclusions A world approach to dementia provides an opportunity to understand, manage, coordinate, and begin to prevent dementia through an integrated approach based on firm scientific evidence.

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