Jhonty Carlo and Marlin Joseph
Dementia affects an estimated 6.5 million Americans, a number projected to rise to 13.8 million by 2060. In 2022, the annual cost of dementia care was approximately $321 billion, underscoring the significant financial burden on the healthcare system. This terminal disease profoundly impacts cognitive function, independence, personal relationships, care goals, and overall quality of life for Persons Living with Dementia (PLWD) and their caregivers.
To address the escalating needs of PLWD and their caregivers, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Health system launched the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program (ADC Program) in July 2012. The program operates on a comanagement model, leveraging Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) trained as Dementia Care Specialists (DCSs). These specialists collaborate closely with the patient’s primary care or specialist physician (such as a psychiatrist or neurologist) to develop comprehensive care plans. These plans integrate medical, social, and behavioral recommendations, providing holistic support tailored to the individual's needs.