There is a lack of dementia and geriatric specialists in South Africa (see Part 2). Pathways to diagnosis in the public sector are confounded by a lack of understanding and misconceptions of dementia among PHC workers (Kalula et al., 2010; Kalula & Petros, 2011); as well as beliefs that dementia is a natural part of aging without being referred for further investigation, treatment and care. Diagnostic services in the private sector are usually obtained via general practitioners, where persons with suspected dementia seek advice via their family practitioners (Vally, 2010).

References:

Kalula, S. Z., & Petros, G. (2011). Responses to Dementia in Less Developed Countries with a focus on South Africa. Global Aging, 7(1), 31–40.

Kalula, S. Z., Ferreira, M., Thomas, K. G. F., De Villiers, L., Joska, J. A., & Geffen, L. N. (2010). Profile and management of patients at a memory clinic. South African Medical Journal, 100(7), 449. https://doi.org/10.7196/SAMJ.3384

Vally, Z. (2010). The assessment and management of dementia. South African Family Practice, 52(5), 392–395. https://doi.org/10.1080/20786204.2010.10874014