[Dementia in Mexico: The need for a National Alzheimer´s Plan].

Dementia is one of the facts than most contributes to the disability and dependence in elderly people. Alzheimer´s disease is the cause more common of dementia in the world. In Mexico, the prevalence of Alzheimer´s disease is 7.3% and incidence of 27.3 per 1,000 people/year. Mexican population studies have determined that Alzheimer´s disease is highly associated to women and their risk to develop it is increased with metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, or depression. The projections are that there will be 3.5 million elderly people affected by Alzheimer´s disease by 2050 in Mexico; this will have a major impact on the healthcare system. The National Institute of Geriatrics from Mexico's Ministry of Health has released a first proposal for a National Alzheimer and Other Dementias' Plan. The central aim of this plan is to promote the well being of people affected by Alzheimer´s disease and their families through of the strengthening of the Mexican healthcare system and the support of other responsible institutions.