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Movement disorders in Latin America

André R Troiano1, Federico E Micheli, Fernando Alarcón

  • 1Department of Neurology (Medicine), Pacific Parkinson's Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Purdy Pavilion, Vancouver, Canada. atroiano@interchange.ubc.ca

Parkinsonism & Related Disorders
|March 1, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Movement disorders (MDs) in Latin America present unique challenges, with infectious and inherited conditions being significant concerns. Improving treatment access requires addressing social and political factors for better health outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Movement disorders (MDs) exhibit distinct characteristics within Latin America's diverse ethnic landscape.
  • Idiopathic MDs show uniform prevalence, yet significant barriers hinder treatment accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the specific features of movement disorders in Latin America.
  • To discuss challenges in accessing treatment for these conditions.
  • To examine the role of infectious-parasitic and inherited diseases in the region.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of movement disorders in Latin America.
  • Analysis of disease prevalence and treatment accessibility.
  • Individual review of infectious-parasitic and inherited movement disorders.

Main Results:

  • Infectious-parasitic diseases and inherited MDs, such as spinocerebellar ataxias, are notable in Latin America.
  • While genetic disorders lack cures, many other MDs are preventable or treatable.
  • Significant disparities in healthcare access persist across the region.

Conclusions:

  • Addressing movement disorders in Latin America necessitates tackling underlying social and political determinants.
  • Preventive strategies and accessible treatments are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
  • Future advancements in health standards depend on substantial societal and political reforms.

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