Caregiving for Patients With Frontotemporal Dementia in Latin America

Frontiers in Neurology

Stefanie Danielle Piña-Escudero¹  Shireen Javandel¹  Gloria Annette Aguirre¹  Erika Mariana Longoria-Ibarrola³ 

[1] Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States;Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico;Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía José Velazco Suárez, Mexico City, Mexico;The Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United Statesand Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland;

关键词: caregivers;    frontotemporal dementia;    Latin America;    caregiver burden;    dementia;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fneur.2021.665694

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Latin America is a vast heterogeneous territory where chronic diseases such as mild cognitive impairment or dementia are becoming higher. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) prevalence in this region is estimated to be around 12–18 cases per thousand persons. However, this prevalence is underestimated given the lack of awareness of FTD even among healthcare professionals. Family members are responsible for the care of patients with FTD at home. These caregivers deliver care despite being ill-equipped and living in the context of austerity policies and social inequities. They often face unsurmountable financial and social burdens that are specific to the region. The most important step to support caregivers in Latin America is to increase awareness of the disease at all levels. Healthcare diplomacy is fundamental to create joint efforts that push policies forward to protect caregivers of FTD patients.

【 授权许可】

Unknown