Dementia is one of the most pressing public health challenges that Latin America and the Caribbean face. With an aging population, the number of people living with dementia—currently around 4.5 million—is set to triple to nearly 14 million within the next three decades. Already the leading cause of disability and dependence among older adults, dementia also places an immense economic burden on the region, with estimated costs reaching $50 billion. For a region largely composed of middle-income countries, this is an unsustainable trajectory that demands urgent action.

To confront this crisis, with the World Dementia Council, we are hosting a series of discussions to share approaches from different countries across our region and gain insight on how we can develop solutions. Our first two dialogues examined the state of research and clinical trials, highlighting the need for stronger regional and global collaboration. The second explored brain health and social determinants, emphasizing the opportunity to address risk factors through targeted public health strategies.

Now, we turn to a critical issue for our region: awareness, understanding, and stigma. Lack of awareness and stigma prevent millions from seeking help and accessing necessary support. Public education is essential to improving care and ensuring that those affected by dementia, along with their families, are empowered with knowledge and resources. Breaking down stigma and fostering understanding will enhance both policy response and societal support.

This discussion is about action—how we change perceptions, improve education, and create a more supportive environment for people living with dementia.

The insights gathered from these discussions will be compiled into a policy paper featuring recommendations and calls to action, to be published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia. Additionally, two high-impact summits will take place in May in Lima, Peru: the World Dementia Council Satellite Summit on May 13, and the Alzheimer’s Association Satellite Symposium on May 14-15.

We look forward to working together to confront the growing dementia crisis in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Professor Ricardo Allegri, Director of the Memory and Ageing Center at the Neurological Research Institute Fleni in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Professor Paulo Caramelli, Professor of Neurology at the Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil

  • Latin America and the Caribbean Dialogues

    The World Dementia Council diagloue on awarness and understanding is taking place on Friday 21 February 2025. Chaired by Dr Ana Luisa Sosa Pontifical Javeriana University, Colombia, with opening presentations from Dr Daisy Acosta Associate Professor at Universidad Nacional Pedro Henriques Urena, Dominican Republic and Dr David Aguillon, University of Antioquia, Colombia. 

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