Physicians Say Providers Not Prepared for Expected Increase in Alzheimer's and Dementia

A new survey published in the Alzheimer's Association 2020 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report estimated that 50 percent of primary care physicians (PCPs) doubt the healthcare profession is sufficiently prepared to meet future demand for dementia care, reports WBIW . Thirty-nine percent of respondents said they are "never" or only "sometimes comfortable" with diagnosing Alzheimer's or other dementias, while 27 percent are "never" or only "sometimes comfortable" answering their care recipients' questions about the disease. Moreover, 22 percent of polled PCPs lacked residency training in dementia diagnosis and care, while 65 percent of the 78 percent who were trained noted that they received "very little" training. The survey includes a state-by-state analysis of the number of geriatricians required to meet future demand, and while Indiana had 65 practicing geriatricians in 2019, 299 are needed to meet future dementia care needs of state seniors in 2050. Meanwhile, 32 percent of PCPs said they refer persons with dementia to specialists at least once a month, yet 55 percent cited a lack of specialists in their area to meet demand — a problem more frequent in rural areas. "We are engaged in outreach with health systems and physicians across the Chapter to ensure the medical profession is prepared," said Alzheimer's Association Greater Indiana Chapter Executive Natalie Sutton.