NURS FPX 8024 Assessment 2 Global Issue Problem Description

Global Issue Problem Description

Student Name

Capella University

NURS-FPX8024

Professor Name

Submission Date

Global Issue Problem Description

Dementia is not one disease, but a syndrome of sorts that impacts a person’s ability to conduct daily activities. The problem is not confined to high-income countries; the lowest- and middle-income countries are seeing the most rapid increases in numbers and have limited resources to cope with the burden (World Health Organization, 2025). The economic impact is also high, with global costs estimated at more than $1.3 trillion per year, burdening both families and governments (Mattap et al., 2022). Also, the social, political, and cultural factors that affect the outcome of dementia are critical, as stigma, lack of awareness, and weak policies also aggravate the burden. Therefore, dementia demands immediate attention as a global health priority in order to have equitable and culturally responsive solutions. In the course of the assessment, dementia becomes a medical and social challenge which affects the individual, family, and healthcare systems.

Description of the Problem

Dementia remains an increasing health problem worldwide. The World Health Organization (2025) reported that nearly 55 million people globally are currently living with dementia, with almost 10 million new cases each year, with almost 8-10% of adults over the age of 65 being affected. Dementia rates are steadily increasing in both high and low-income countries on all continents, such as Asia and Africa (Akinyemi et al., 2021). According to Mattap et al. (2022), around 60% of the people living with dementia live in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), where limited resources are available for their care and treatment. The burden is especially significant in fast-growing nations such as China and India, which together account for millions of cases annually. In contrast, countries such as Sweden and Japan report higher prevalence rates as a result of longer life expectancy but also have stronger systems of care and support (Akinyemi et al, 2021). Over the last 20 years, cases of dementia have almost doubled. By 2050, if there are still insufficient interventions.

The magnitude of the problem is excellent, with the consequences of dementia not only for individuals but also for families, caregivers, and whole health systems. Populations in ageing societies, especially in Europe, North America, and East Asia, are experiencing increasing demands on health and social care (Mattap et al., 2022). Disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and access to long-term care are still evident, with many LMICs lacking adequate services and formal care systems (Giebel et al., 2023). High-income countries invest their money heavily in research and caregiving infrastructure to help slow down the progression of the disease and to reduce stress on caregivers. In contrast, low and middle-income countries face challenges of underfunded health systems, low awareness, and stigma around dementia (Mattap et al., 2022). Thus, dementia is not only a global health challenge, but equally, it is a real case study of inequity in healthcare delivery and support across countries.

Social Determinants that Impact the Problem

The population most affected by dementia is the older age group, especially those who are above the age of 65 years, with the prevalence increasing significantly with age. From the WHO data, it was revealed that almost 1 in 6 people over 80 years of age lives with dementia worldwide, and women are disproportionately affected by this disease because they live longer than men (World Health Organization, 2025). The key social determinants of dementia are income, education, access to healthcare, and living environment. Populations residing in low- and middle-income countries are at the highest risk of burden, with almost 70% of future dementia cases occurring in these regions (Giebel et al., 2023).

Limited education means that health literacy is lower, with fewer people being aware of risk factors and getting it diagnosed later. Poor infrastructure in the countries in terms of healthcare infrastructure also restricts access to early interventions and specialist care. Rural populations are particularly disadvantaged, though, because of fewer clinics, less available caregivers, and geographical isolation, which make it challenging to get diagnosed and treated promptly.

Cultural beliefs have a substantial impact on the recognition and management of dementia. In some communities, dementia symptoms are also misdiagnosed as a result of normal aging or attributed to spiritual causes, which results in stigma and delayed seeking care (Klink et al., 2023). In other communities, strong family caregiving traditions ensure older adults are taken care of at home, but it is often a heavy financial and emotional burden on families. Geographically, countries with rapidly aging populations, such as Japan and Italy, are exposed to higher prevalence rates than younger populations in Sub-Saharan Africa (Choi et al., 2024).

The risk of having dementia is also increased in places with more exposure to cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes and hypertension, which are more common in urbanized environments. Wealthier populations are often better able to access preventive healthcare and memory clinics, which has a positive impact on outcomes (Washington et al., 2023). In contrast, poor populations are subject to inequalities in access to diagnosis and long-term care, and families are left with the burden of full caregiving. Hence, social and cultural contexts have an essential influence on the dementia experience within populations.

In terms of the political climate, there is a great deal of difference in national policy approaches to dementia. Nations that have adopted national dementia plans, like the UK, France, and Australia, have structured resources for prevention, diagnosis, and coordinating care (Alzheimer’s Disease International, 2025a). Alternatively, many low- and middle-income countries have no official dementia strategies, and NGOs and families are responsible for the most significant amount of care (Mattap et al., 2022). Political stability also plays a role, as the fragile health system in conflict-affected and/or politically unstable regions cannot prioritize dementia care.

Social protection policies, such as pensions, insurance schemes, and the support of caregivers, also determine if individuals and families can afford care. In a lot of countries, dementia is not officially acknowledged as a public health priority; as a result, they are underfunded, and there are fragmented care systems (Choi et al., 2024). Thus, political will and governance at the national level are critical to addressing dementia as an urgent global health issue.

Nongovernment Funding Organization Involvement

Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI)

The ADI mainly targets older people around the world at risk of or living with dementia, with a particular focus on people in low- and middle-income countries, where limited resources are available. One of ADI’s major interventions is the World Alzheimer Report (2023), which is a collection of evidence, recommendations and guidelines for global policy for governments and healthcare providers. The initiative focuses on best practices and promoting early diagnosis and improved access to care. The intervention has been successful in raising awareness around the world and influencing over 40 countries to develop national dementia plans (Alzheimer’s Disease International, 2025b). For instance, through ADI’s advocacy, the WHO adopted the global action plan on dementia (Alzheimer’s Disease International, 2025b). The program ensures that access to data and strategies that are culturally adaptable for policymakers is available. Evaluation shows that countries that adopt ADI-informed policies have higher rates of diagnosis and higher levels of support from caregivers. Thus, having effectively utilized advocacy and evidence-based guidance, ADI has been able to close healthcare gaps for dementia around the world.

Dementia Alliance International (DAI)

The DAI is an international non-profit organization providing services to people with dementia, especially those under 65 years old who have early-onset dementia. One crucial intervention offered by DAI is the peer-to-peer online support groups, which provide education, emotional support, and advocacy training to people in different countries (Poulsen et al., 2022). The intervention offers people with dementia the power to be leaders in advocacy and self-advocacy, to prevent stigma and isolation. The program has been successful, as reports from the participants reveal that they have improved their emotional well-being and confidence.

Moreover, DAI’s peer network has had an impact on international policy by ensuring persons with dementia are represented in decision-making forums (Dementia Alliance International, 2025). Evaluations show that participants have less depression and a greater quality of life after participating in these groups. The success of DAI shows that empowerment-focused interventions can have a direct impact on improving the lived experience of people with dementia. Therefore, DAI has successfully addressed a gap in the community-based, patient-led dementia support.

HelpAge International

HelpAge International works with older people in poor and middle-income countries, especially in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where older people live in poverty, are discriminated against, and do not have access to healthcare. One significant intervention is the community health worker training program that trains local caregivers and volunteers with skills to identify the symptoms of dementia, provide basic care, and link families with available services (Karungi et al., 2022). The intervention fills the gap of special dementia healthcare providers in resource-limited regions.

The effectiveness is apparent with studies showing trained community health workers significantly improve rates of early detection, as well as reducing caregiver burden. For instance, in Tanzania and Kenya, HelpAge-supported programmes have enhanced dementia awareness and reduced stigma at the village level (HelpAge International, 2025). The community-centred approach guarantees sustainability, since the knowledge is kept embedded in the local population. According to evaluations, the number of diagnoses and the number of families looking for support services have risen. Therefore, HelpAge International’s grass-roots model has proven that task-shifting and caregiver empowerment are effective strategies to tackle dementia care gaps in underserved populations.

Culturally Sensitive Intervention

A culturally sensitive intervention to mitigate the problem of dementia health worldwide is the adoption of memory cafes within communities using a local cultural approach. The program offers a safe space for individuals with dementia and their caregivers to gather in order to engage in social, cognitive, and recreational activities based on their cultural traditions (Sani et al., 2024). The activities can have music, storytelling, and foods that represent the heritage of the area so that people can relate to familiar practices. A needs assessment will be undertaken within each community to ascertain local cultural norms and language preferences and caregiving practices to ensure relevance. Next, local leaders and healthcare providers will work together to develop sessions that incorporate traditional healing and community values and evidence-based dementia care (Sani et al., 2024). The collaboration ensures that cultural strengths are maintained and awareness and acceptance of dementia are encouraged.

Educational materials are translated into local languages and incorporate culturally-meaningful imagery and stories. To ensure sustainability, the program will be led by trained community volunteers supported by communities working with the non-government organizations (NGOs) specializing in dementia. Continuous feedback from participants and caregivers will inform the activities in the program and ensure they stay responsive to cultural needs (Karungi et al., 2022). The likelihood of lowering stigma and resilience among caregivers is greater when dementia support is based on community traditions, rather than being externally imposed. The memory cafe approach also enables intergenerational involvement, where younger members of the family acquire information about dementia and caregiving in a culturally relevant manner.

The memory cafe program is culturally adapted and works as it empowers communities to care for the members of the community in a way that feels authentic and respectful. Involvement of the community from the planning stage helps in building trust and enhancing participation. Rather than medicalizing dementia in other parts of the world where resources are limited, the program focuses on dignity, connection, and cultural heritage (Sani et al., 2024). Further, the program will build stronger social support networks, decrease isolation in caregivers, and increase the public understanding of dementia (Poulsen et al., 2022). Through the tailored approach, individuals with dementia are more likely to stay socially engaged, and caregivers can receive support as community members. Further, the program has the potential to be scaled globally, with adaptations to different cultural settings, ensuring that it is relevant across regions.

Conclusion

The prevalence of dementia is steadily increasing all across the world, with the present number of people living with dementia. The extent of the problem only increases due to the growing number of aging populations, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Further, social factors such as education, income, geography and cultural beliefs have a significant influence on access to diagnosis, treatment and care. Three non-governmental organizations (ADI, DAI and HelpAge International) play essential roles in the diagnosis and treatment of dementia through advocacy, peer empowerment and community-based care. Each organization focuses on its distinct sub-populations so that diverse needs can be addressed uniquely. A culturally sensitive intervention is an intervention that highlights the need to embed dementia care within the traditions of different cultures to reduce stigma and increase support. Therefore, global health responses need to be a blend of policy advocacy, community engagement, and culturally sensitive interventions in order to ensure equity in dementia care across nations.

Related assessment of this class: NURS FPX 8024 Assessment 4