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The University of Antioquia is part of the first large study on dementia in Latin America
Paranoia, insomnia, disorientation, memory loss, and aggression. These were some of the symptoms that doctors recorded in the history of...
TL;DR
- The first large-scale study on dementia in Latin America is underway, involving research groups from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and the United States.
- The study, coordinated by the Multinational Consortium for Expanding Dementia Research in Latin America (ReDLat), published its first findings in the journal npj Dementia.
- The research analyzes genetic data from over 2,000 individuals to identify genetic factors predisposing Latin Americans to dementia.
- Findings indicate that common genes associated with dementia in European populations may have different associations in Latin Americans due to their mixed ancestry (European, Indigenous, African).
- The study highlights the impact of mestizaje (mixing of ancestries) on genetic risk for hereditary diseases and dementia in the region.
- Direct inheritance of dementia in families has been observed, with variations in symptom onset age and common genes like APOE ε4.
- The Grupo de Neurociencias de Antioquia (GNA) has been instrumental, particularly for its research on the 'paisa mutation' (PSEN1 gene alteration) causing early-onset Alzheimer's.
- The research emphasizes the need to study diverse populations beyond those of European descent to fully understand dementia's genetic influences.