Barriers to Timely Dementia Diagnosis in Older Latinos With Limited English Proficiency: An Integrative Review.

Timely diagnosis is critical for persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) to ensure they receive adequate services; however, timely diagnosis may be prevented by a person's English language skills. The purpose of this integrative review was to understand how limited English proficiency (LEP) impacts older Latino's ability to access a timely ADRD diagnosis.Whittemore and Knafl's methodological approach guided the review. Searches in five databases yielded 12 articles for inclusion.Lack of culturally congruent health care systems, health care providers, and knowledge of ADRD resulted in delays in obtaining a timely ADRD diagnosis among older Latinos with LEP.Latinos with LEP and risk for ADRD benefit from language assistance and support in navigating the health care system. Nurses must be advocates, even when a language barrier is present, and recognize that interpreters are not a single source solution.

Duke Scholars

Author Bei Wu School of Nursing