Dementia care in low and middle-income countries. Issue 5 (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fam, Johnson; Mahendran, Rathi; Kua, Ee Heok
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in psychiatry. Volume 32:Issue 5(2019:Sep.)
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: community services -- dementia -- low and middle-income countries; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1097/YCO.0000000000000523
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0951-7367

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose of review: Recent reports from low and middle-income countries (LMICs) on the care of person with dementia (PWD). Recent findings: Detection of PWDs in the community in LMICs is still problematic because of inappropriate screening questionnaires. Early diagnosis of dementia is also handicapped by lack of awareness, knowledge and stigma. The family is the main caregiver in LMICs and there is a paucity of community dementia services. Summary: In LMICs, the burden of care of PWDs rests on the family and there is an urgent need to improve and expand community services. The digital media could be a platform for e-learning and assessment of cognitive impairment. Innovative ideas to link specialist care with primary care doctors and nongovernmental organisations will be beneficial.