10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00132

Vollständiger Abstract

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<h4>Background</h4>Early detection and interdisciplinary management of cognitive impairment are essential, particularly in socioeconomically vulnerable populations with limited access to specialized care. To address this need, a Memory Clinic was established in 2016 within the Argentine public healthcare system in Florencio Varela. This region reflects a condition of structural poverty, where 16.2% of the population lives in poverty according to Unsatisfied Basic Needs (UBN) and over 60% of residents lack essential services.<h4>Methods</h4>The study included 1,204 individuals (852 women, 353 men) with a mean age of 72 years and 6 years of education, most of whom attended through self-motivation based on memory complaints. Based on cumulative experience, a work protocol tailored to the local population was established, comprising a cognitive battery (MMSE, ACE-R, FAB, CDR, FAQ, Zarit Scale, NPI-Q), neurological and functional evaluation, laboratory testing, and neuroimaging. Diagnoses are determined by consensus in weekly interdisciplinary meetings. Additionally, a cognitive reserve questionnaire was culturally adapted, implemented, and tested in a subpopulation of 315 people. Over the past three years, the clinic also contributed to the formation of GeNED.ar (Genetics and Neuroimaging in Aging and Dementia in Argentina), a national cohort study.<h4>Results</h4>Evaluated patients received a definitive diagnosis along with guidance on healthy aging and, when necessary, appropriate pharmacological treatment or cognitive stimulation therapy. The implementation of the adapted questionnaire revealed a significantly lower cognitive reserve in patients with dementia. Furthermore, active participation in research projects like GeNED.ar demonstrated enhancements in clinical care, supported staff training, and promoted alignment with international standards.<h4>Conclusion</h4>As the only public healthcare center of its kind in the region, this Memory Clinic provides high-quality, research-integrated cognitive care to a vulnerable elderly population. This center offers a successful and replicable model for similar socioeconomic contexts across Latin America.

Abstract: PubMed · Datensatz