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. 2014 Dec 1;8(4):310-316.
doi: 10.1590/s1980-57642014dn84000002.

Building capacity for dementia care in Latin America and the Caribbean

Francisco J Gonzalez  1 , Ciro Gaona  2 , Marialcira Quintero  3 , Carlos A Chavez  3 , Joyce Selga  1 , Gladys E Maestre  4
Affiliations

Building capacity for dementia care in Latin America and the Caribbean

Francisco J Gonzalez et al. Dement Neuropsychol. .

Abstract
in English, Portuguese

Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) have limited facilities and professionals trained to diagnose, treat, and support people with dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment. The situation for people with dementia is poor, and worsening as the proportion of elderly in the general population is rapidly expanding. We reviewed existing initiatives and provided examples of actions taken to build capacity and improve the effectiveness of individuals, organizations, and national systems that provide treatment and support for people with dementia and their caregivers. Regional barriers to capacity building and the importance of public engagement are highlighted. Existing programs need to disseminate their objectives, accomplishments, limitations, and overall lessons learned in order to gain greater recognition of the need for capacity-building programs.

América Latina e Caribe (ALC) têm instalações e profissionais treinados para diagnosticar, tratar e apoiar as pessoas com demência e outras formas de comprometimento cognitivo limitado. A situação para as pessoas com demência é pobre, e piora quando a proporção de idosos na população em geral está se expandindo rapidamente. Revisamos as iniciativas já existentes, com exemplos de medidas tomadas para fortalecer a capacidade e melhorar a eficácia dos indivíduos, organizações e sistemas nacionais que fornecem tratamento e apoio às pessoas com demência e seus cuidadores. As barreiras regionais ao reforço das capacidades e a importância do engajamento público são realçados. Os programas existentes precisam divulgar seus objetivos, realizações, limitações e lições globais aprendidas a fim de obter maior reconhecimento da necessidade de programas de capacitação.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease; capacity building; community; dementia; health care; health programs; skills.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: The authors report no conflicts of interest.

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