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2021 Pilot Awards for Global Brain Health Leaders (GBHI)

A novel program to promote independence in older adults with dementia

Marcela Mar Meza, M.D.
Peruvian Institute of Neurosciences
Lima, Peru



In Peru, older adults with dementia may be diagnosed late or remain undiagnosed through their illness. Dr. Marcela Mar Meza will address the need to develop support programs that focus on early detection and personalized care of older Peruvians with cognitive impairment. The goal of this study is to address factors that will allow individuals with dementia to maintain functional independence and support their family caregivers. Dr. Meza will develop a project called the Multidisciplinary, Multidomain, Ambulatory, Personalized Intervention Program (MMAPP) which will be housed within the main Air Force Hospital in Lima, Peru, and will leverage the experience of its geriatric multidisciplinary team. The MMAPP will include assessment tools to detect underlying circumstances, which may impact functional independence such as social environmental factors, caregiver distress, and other underlying medical conditions. Upon detection, these factors will be addressed via a personalized care plan. If successful, Dr. Meza’s project may improve home care environment, psycho-behavioral symptoms, and geriatric symptoms—and it could decrease challenges faced by caregivers. The study could also help to develop a plan to provide a comprehensive and personalized care plan thereby improving the overall quality of life of individuals with dementia and their caregivers in Peru.

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