Dementia care in old age psychiatry over 50 years

The global increase in number of people living with dementia and its mental health implications is closely linked to the development of Old Age Psychiatry (OAP) in the past 50 years. OAP focuses on addressing the complex psychiatric and physical needs of older adults, particularly those with dementia. Reflecting on the significance of early neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in dementia, recent breakthroughs in early diagnostics and the amyloid targeting therapy (ATT) for Alzheimer's disease, it is time to examine the ongoing challenges and the role of OAP clinicians in managing dementia. The future of collaboration with medical, technological, and social experts presents opportunities for OAP to optimize dementia care beyond medication or social assistance, addressing the needs of people living with and their families along the whole disease spectrum.