Systematic review and meta-analyses on the prevalence of dementia in Latin America and Caribbean countries: Exploring sex, rurality, age, and education as possible determinants

Background Studies have shown that the prevalence of dementia in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) may be higher than in high-income countries. Thus, we sought to systematically analyse the prevalence of dementia and explore possible drivers that lead to this disparity in LAC countries. Method We searched Pubmed, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, Lilacs, and SciELO for studies on dementia in LAC countries in English, Spanish, and Portuguese languages. Random-effects model was applied. Results Twenty-nine studies from 12 LAC countries were included. Pooled prevalence of all-cause dementia was 11%. Further analyses with studies providing raw prevalence by sex, area, and educational level showed a higher prevalence for women (9%) than for men (5%). Also, dementia prevalence was higher for rural than urban residents (12% vs 8%, respectively). Participants without formal education presented more than double the prevalence of dementia (22%) compared to those with at least one year of formal education (10%). Studies with more recent data collection showed higher dementia prevalence. Conclusion Our findings suggest a high global dementia prevalence in LAC countries and an unequal burden of dementia for women, lower-educated, and rural residents. Secular raises in dementia prevalence call for increased public health efforts for preventative action. Highlights Rigorous and most comprehensive review of dementia prevalence in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) to date. Pooled dementia prevalence estimates are higher in LAC countries compared to high-income countries. Higher prevalence of dementia among women and lower-educated adults. Higher prevalence among older adults living in rural compared to urban areas. Qualitative analyses suggest a modest increase in dementia prevalence in LAC countries over time.