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.
Methods:
Whittemore and Knafl’s methodological approach guided the review. Searches in five databases yielded 12 articles for inclusion.
Results:
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.
Discussion:
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.
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