Diagnostic and treatment strategies in a memory clinic for older adults in a region with a predominantly low-income population.

BACKGROUND

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.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSION

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.