The patient journey for people with dementia and their carers in Peru: From first symptoms to diagnosis and treatment.

INTRODUCTION

We explored how people with dementia (PwD) and their carers navigate Peru's health system for diagnosis and treatment.

METHODS

We interviewed PwD (n = 4), carers (n = 18), and healthcare workers (n = 17) from four sites. We developed a patient journey map using thematic analysis and participant validation.

RESULTS

Three journey stages emerged. Pre-diagnosis: Families seek care across different sub-health systems and facilities 2-4 years after symptom onset.

DIAGNOSIS: Specialist consultation is sought in major cities and diagnosis occurs in hospitals based on clinical presentation. Continuity of care: Care focuses on controlling behavioral and psychological symptoms, with limited access to dementia-specific drugs and non-pharmacological interventions, and heavy reliance on carers' resources. Community mental health centers (CMHCs) are preferred facilities due to geographical and specialist accessibility and perceived care quality.

DISCUSSION: Without a formal entry point to dementia care, families navigate fragmented pathways, whereas CMHCs emerge as facilities with adequate care procedures for PwD.