More people are living with dementia and will need to be treated with more than the standard of care, according to a new report.
The Alzheimer’s Association, which is also a leading advocate for older people, says it needs more than standard care, including mental health services and the support of family and friends.
The report comes amid the increasing numbers of older people diagnosed with dementia.
About 3.1 million people aged 65 and older have dementia, according the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The number of people with dementia has tripled in the past two decades, rising to 6.7 million in 2016, according a 2017 report from the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
It’s a trend that has been attributed to the stress and trauma experienced by people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
The association’s report said older people have an increased need for mental health care.
It’s not just that the stress of a disability makes it more difficult to work and function, it’s also that they need a safe space where they can have their conversations and take care of themselves.
It recommends that caregivers who are older be included in care for those who are more vulnerable to the symptoms of dementia, such as social withdrawal and social isolation, as well as those with dementia, to better manage the symptoms.
The group also suggests more research into ways to treat dementia and other conditions that cause symptoms in older people.