Promoting diversity and overcoming publication barriers in Latin American neuroscience and Alzheimer's disease research: A call to action

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a global health issue. Because AD is a condition demanding effective management, its socioeconomic burden is immense and threatens the health systems of both low- and middle-income (LMIC) and high-income (HIC) countries. However, while most of the HICs are increasing their budget for AD research, the situation is different in LMICs, and resources are scarce. In addition, LMIC researchers face significant barriers to publishing in international peer reviewed journals, including funding constraints; language barriers; and in many cases, high article processing charges. In this perspective, we discuss these disparities and propose some actions that could help promote diversity, and ultimately translate into improved AD research capacity in LMICs, especially in Latin American and Caribbean countries. HIGHLIGHTSResearchers in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) face increasing difficulties such as financial constraints, language barriers, and article processing charges.Publication fees, in particular, can be a significant barrier in the process of publication and equal access to scientific information.Publication fee equalization initiatives by publishing companies could reduce the scientific inequality that disadvantages researchers in LMICs.

Automated summary

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a global health issue, with immense socioeconomic burden on low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) as well as high-income countries. However, LMICs face disparities in resources and barriers to publishing in international journals, including funding constraints, language barriers, and high article processing charges. The equalization of publication fees by publishing companies could help reduce scientific inequality and improve AD research capacity in LMICs.