Memory cafe in the Brazilian context and in a pandemic scenario: Developing topics

Background The WHO estimates by 2050 the proportion of people over 60 will be 22% of the world’s population. This scenario does not differ in Brazil. The elderly represent the fastest growing population segment, with estimates of average increase over the next ten years of more than 1 million elderly per year, which is worrying because epidemiological data show that one third of elderly Brazilians are affected by neuropsychiatric disorders. It is important to consider some conditions can represent risk factors for the development of cognitive decline. Therefore, attention to these disorders is necessary as they bring important social and economic impacts. Thus, the development of projects in this area may provide not only a reduction in public spending, but also more years of life with autonomy and independence. Based on all of these data and on our knowledge about gerontology and dementia, we decided to bring the Memory Cafe philosophy to Sao Paulo, Brazil.