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Dementia and its implications for public health
Daniel P Chapman1, Sheree Marshall Williams, Tara W Strine
1Division of Adult and Community Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Mail Stop K-67, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. dpc2@cdc.gov
Preventing Chronic Disease
|March 17, 2006
Summary
Dementia care is essential for the aging population. Early detection, treatment, and destigmatization are crucial public health priorities, despite available interventions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Gerontology
- Neurology
Background:
- Aging U.S. population necessitates understanding dementia's impact.
- Dementia encompasses diverse syndromes with behavioral, cognitive, and emotional impairments.
- Dementia poses significant personal and economic costs, highlighting the need for research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the presentation, impact, and interventions for dementia.
- To inform public health strategies for an aging population.
- To highlight advances in dementia understanding and care.
Main Methods:
- Medline searches using dementia-related subject headings.
- Included searches for mild cognitive impairment and specific dementia types.
- Utilized searches for mental disorders and stigma.
Main Results:
- Dementia syndromes present with memory, cognitive, and behavioral deficits.
- Early detection and treatment of dementia are vital for older adults' health.
- Support services like adult day care improve quality of life for patients and caregivers.
Conclusions:
- Most older adults with dementia do not receive adequate treatment.
- Pharmacologic and psychosocial interventions show promise but are underutilized.
- Destigmatizing dementia and improving treatment access are key public health goals.