Alzheimer's Disease looms over Latin America like a dark cloud. Countries like Peru, are experiencing the staggering effects of a health transition.

A report with The Star said that noncommunicable illnesses such as heart disease, depression and dementia are replacing malnutrition as the cause of poor health. Dementia and cognitive impairment are reportedly among the leading factors to disability and dependence among seniors all around the world a report with the World Health Organization said. Despite vast economic growths, it was reported that many Latin American governments have failed to create effective solutions to address these problems.

While Peru's neighbours, Argentina and Chile have already taken progress in addressing the impairment of many health and welfare systems, Peru has already lagged behind.

Peru's health system is complicated, comprising of five different service providers that operate independently with very little coordination. In Lima, the nation's capital, patients would usually line up overnight to see specialists. It was reported that one in four older adults are not covered by health insurance. Many residents living in rural communities have little access to medical care. Many of these elderly residents who are too sick or cannot afford the travel would forego medical care.

Many of the rural residents know very little about dementia. It was reported that nineteen per cent of residents are over 60. In fact, local surveys found out that the local residents had initially thought that Alzheimer's disease was either a skin disease or a street in Germany.

While local doctors were aware that Alzheimer's was a brain disorder, they had little idea on how to diagnose it. Those residents who had brought their elderly patients after complaining of memory loss to the town local centre were told that the behaviour was just part of ageing.

A great number of the residents cannot afford proper health care and treatment, The Spec reported. There is also the misconception that nothing can be done for those who suffer from dementia. It was found out educating people on the disease can go a long way. While the access to treatments tend to be scarce, even in low to middle income countries, preparation is key. 

Research has shown simple steps can be taken to improve mental health. Medication would also relieve depression and aggression. Proper training would also ease the burden on professional carers and being armed with reliable information also gives individuals with a sense of preparedness.