This cross-sectional, population-based study examined 2-decade trends in dementia prevalence among community-dwelling adults aged 65+ across 5 Latin American and Caribbean 10/66 sites (Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico), comparing survey waves from 2003–2006 and 2016–2020 (n=16,950).
Pooled crude dementia prevalence rose from 10.6% (2003–2006) to 16.9% (2016–2020). After age/sex standardization, prevalence stayed stable in Cuba and Dominican Republic but increased significantly in Mexico (+4.9 pp), Peru (+4.1 pp), and Puerto Rico (+5.0 pp); increases in Mexico (+6.3%) and Puerto Rico (+7.2%) persisted after adjusting for modifiable risk factors.
- Findings are specific to 5 catchment sites and may not represent all of Latin America and the Caribbean. - Cross-sectional design at each wave limits causal inference about drivers of change. - 24.9% of eligible individuals declined or could not be traced, introducing potential selection bias.
Unlike high-income countries where dementia prevalence is declining, several Latin American sites show rising prevalence — clinicians and policymakers in the region should prioritize early risk factor modification and invest in dementia care infrastructure now.
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