Lewy Body Dementia Research in Latin America: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND

Dementia research in Latin America (LA) has primarily focused on Alzheimer's Disease and Frontotemporal Dementia, while Lewy body dementia (LBD) has been largely forgotten.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to review the available evidence on LBD in LA, offering a comprehensive perspective for understanding the lack of reports and the unique challenges and characteristics of this region.

METHODS

We carried out a scoping review in databases: PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, and Web of Science. Original studies that included participants with LBD were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 1388 studies identified, 70 met the inclusion criteria for this review. Among them, 63 were cross-sectional studies, three were cohort studies, two followed a case-control methodology, and only two were non-randomized clinical trials. These studies primarily examined clinical manifestations, risk factors, neuropsychiatric and non-motor symptoms, as well as cognitive impairment and its assessment in LBD within LA. Regarding geographical distribution, 52 studies were conducted in Brazil, seven in Argentina, the rest in Peru, Mexico, Colombia, Cuba, and Chile.

CONCLUSIONS

LBD research in LA is underrepresented, with most studies being cross-sectional, few utilizing a longitudinal design, and only two clinical trials, both of which lack rigorous methodology. Challenges include weak study designs, high heterogeneity, limited trials, and unclear differentiation within the LBD spectrum. Addressing these gaps requires increasing awareness, strengthening research capacity, securing funding, and fostering international collaboration.