Frontotemporal Dementias in Latin America: History, Epidemiology, Genetics, and Clinical Research
Journal
Frontiers in Neurology
ISSN
1664-2295
Date Issued
2021
Author(s)
Jorge J. Llibre-Guerra
Mirna Lie Hosogi
Lucia Montero
Teresa Torralva
Nilton Custodio
Erika Mariana Longoria-Ibarrola
Margarita Giraldo-Chica
David Aguillón
Gladys E. Maestre
Valeria Contreras
Celeste Doldan
Lissette Duque-Peñailillo
Heike Hesse
Norbel Roman
Dhara Angelina Santana-Trinidad
Christian Schenk
Ninoska Ocampo-Barba
Ricardo López-Contreras
Ricardo Nitrini
Type
Resource Types::text::journal::journal article
Abstract
<jats:p><jats:bold>Introduction:</jats:bold> The historical development, frequency, and impact of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are less clear in Latin America than in high-income countries. Although there is a growing number of dementia studies in Latin America, little is known collectively about FTD prevalence studies by country, clinical heterogeneity, risk factors, and genetics in Latin American countries.</jats:p><jats:p><jats:bold>Methods:</jats:bold> A systematic review was completed, aimed at identifying the frequency, clinical heterogeneity, and genetics studies of FTD in Latin American populations. The search strategies used a combination of standardized terms for FTD and related disorders. In addition, at least one author per Latin American country summarized the available literature. Collaborative or regional studies were reviewed during consensus meetings.</jats:p><jats:p><jats:bold>Results:</jats:bold> The first FTD reports published in Latin America were mostly case reports. The last two decades marked a substantial increase in the number of FTD research in Latin American countries. Brazil (165), Argentina (84), Colombia (26), and Chile (23) are the countries with the larger numbers of FTD published studies. Most of the research has focused on clinical and neuropsychological features (<jats:italic>n</jats:italic> = 247), including the local adaptation of neuropsychological and behavioral assessment batteries. However, there are little to no large studies on prevalence (<jats:italic>n</jats:italic> = 4), biomarkers (<jats:italic>n</jats:italic> = 9), or neuropathology (<jats:italic>n</jats:italic> = 3) of FTD.</jats:p><jats:p><jats:bold>Conclusions:</jats:bold> Future FTD studies will be required in Latin America, albeit with a greater emphasis on clinical diagnosis, genetics, biomarkers, and neuropathological studies. Regional and country-level efforts should seek better estimations of the prevalence, incidence, and economic impact of FTD syndromes.</jats:p>
Subjects
frontotemporal dementia
;
latin america
;
history
;
prevalence
;
genetics
;
biomarkers
;
biological marker
;
argentina
;
brazil
;
chile
;
clinical feature
;
clinical research
;
colombia
;
frontotemporal dementia
;
genetics
;
history
;
human
;
mental disease
;
neuropathology
;
prevalence
;
review
;
south and central america
;
systematic review