The 2022 symposium on dementia and brain aging in low‐ and middle‐income countries: Highlights on research, diagnosis, care, and impact
Authors: Kalaria Raj , Maestre Gladys , Mahinrad Simin , Acosta Daisy M. , Akinyemi Rufus Olusola , Alladi Suvarna , Allegri Ricardo F. , Arshad Faheem , Babalola David Oluwasayo , Baiyewu Olusegun , Bak Thomas H. , Bellaj Tarek , Brodie‐Mends David K. , Carrillo Maria C. , Celestin Kaputu‐Kalala‐Malu , Damasceno Albertino , de Silva Ranil Karunamuni , de Silva Rohan , Djibuti Mamuka , Dreyer Anna Jane , Ellajosyula Ratnavalli , Farombi Temitope H. , Friedland Robert P. , Garza Noe , Gbessemehlan Antoine , Georgiou Eliza Eleni‐Zacharoula , Govia Ishtar , Grinberg Lea T. , Guerchet Maëlenn , Gugssa Seid Ali , Gumikiriza‐Onoria Joy Louise , Hogervorst Eef , Hornberger Michael , Ibanez Agustin , Ihara Masafumi , Issac Thomas Gregor , Jönsson Linus , Karanja Wambui M. , Lee Joseph H. , Leroi Iracema , Livingston Gill , Manes Facundo Francisco , Mbakile‐Mahlanza Lingani , Miller Bruce L. , Musyimi Christine Wayua , Mutiso Victoria N. , Nakasujja Noeline , Ndetei David M. , Nightingale Sam , Novotni Gabriela , Nyamayaro Primrose , Nyame Solomon , Ogeng'o Julius A. , Ogunniyi Adesola , de Oliveira Maira Okada , Okubadejo Njideka U. , Orrell Martin , Paddick Stella‐Maria , Pericak‐Vance Margaret A. , Pirtosek Zvezdan , Potocnik Felix Claude Victor , Raman Rema , Rizig Mie , Rosselli Mónica , Salokhiddinov Marufjon , Satizabal Claudia L. , Sepulveda‐Falla Diego , Seshadri Sudha , Sexton Claire E. , Skoog Ingmar , George‐Hyslop Peter H. St , Suemoto Claudia Kimie , Thapa Prekshy , Udeh‐Momoh Chinedu Theresa , Valcour Victor , Vance Jeffery M. , Varghese Mathew , Vera Jaime H. , Walker Richard W. , Zetterberg Henrik , Zewde Yared Z. , Ismail Ozama 
Published: May 2024

Two of every three persons living with dementia reside in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). The projected increase in global dementia rates is expected to affect LMICs disproportionately. However, the majority of global dementia care costs occur in high‐income countries (HICs), with dementia research predominantly focusing on HICs. This imbalance necessitates LMIC‐focused research to ensure that characterization of dementia accurately reflects the involvement and specificities of diverse populations. Development of effective preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches for dementia in LMICs requires targeted, personalized, and harmonized efforts. Our article represents timely discussions at the 2022 Symposium on Dementia and Brain Aging in LMICs that identified the foremost opportunities to advance dementia research, differential diagnosis, use of neuropsychometric tools, awareness, and treatment options. We highlight key topics discussed at the meeting and provide future recommendations to foster a more equitable landscape for dementia prevention, diagnosis, care, policy, and management in LMICs.

Highlights

Two‐thirds of persons with dementia live in LMICs, yet research and costs are skewed toward HICs.

LMICs expect dementia prevalence to more than double, accompanied by socioeconomic disparities.

The 2022 Symposium on Dementia in LMICs addressed advances in research, diagnosis, prevention, and policy.

The Nairobi Declaration urges global action to enhance dementia outcomes in LMICs.