Date of Award

2019

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

MS in Physician Assistant Studies (PA)

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

First Advisor

Jenny Kluznik

Abstract

Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms that alter a person’s intellectual functioning.1 It is caused by a variety of illnesses and can lead to memory impairment, decreased problem solving and decision making capacity, and diminished ability to perform everyday activites. It is estimated that approximately 50 million people worldwide currently have dementia and that number is expected to increase to 152 million by 2050. A majority of that increase can be attributed to the rise in those living with dementia in low- and middle-income countries. Latin America has the highest rates of dementia with a prevalence of 8.5% among persons ages 60 and older.4 Prevalence of dementia in ages 65-69 is twice as high as those in developed countries. By 2050, approximately 30% of Latin America’s population over the age of 60 will be living with dementia, the highest rate worldwide. Several factors are contributing to this epidemiological change. Latin American countries have experienced a shift in demographics in which the elderly represent a large proportion of the population. This demographic shift is happening at a considerably faster rate when compared to Europe and North America.

Identifier

SC 11.PAS.2019.Kane.S

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Geriatrics Commons

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