New study sheds light on dementia among Indigenous Bolivians
A new study of Indigenous Tsimané and Mosetén communities in Bolivia finds that dementia incidence rates are similar to those in the U.S. and Europe. The lower prevalence of dementia in these populations is attributed to shorter survival times after diagnosis.
Why it matters
This research challenges previous assumptions about dementia prevalence in preindustrial societies and highlights the importance of distinguishing between incidence and survival rates.
edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Robert Egan
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Add as preferred source Tsimane Health and Life History Project investigators interview a participant in Bolivia. Credit: USC Professor Margaret Gatz In two Indigenous communities living preindustrial lifestyles in the Bolivian Amazon, dementia is remarkably uncommon. However, a new longitudinal study reveals why earlier estimates told only part of the story.
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