Since January of 2011, ten-thousand Baby Boomers have been turning 65 every day. This "Silver Tsunami" of 79 million aging Americans will continue until 2030. By then, 18% of the US population will be over age 65, an increase from 13% in 2010. With this sharp increase in the number of older Americans, we will see dramatically more patients with chronic debilitating illnesses, including Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
The prevalence of Alzheimer's dementia in the US population is expected to triple by 2050 and has been called the "great health crisis of the 21st century". Palliative care has much to offer these patients and families.
Using a case-based approach, this NHPCO Webinar will:
- Describe the impact of dementia upon American society in the next 20 years.
- Discuss the value of palliative care in helping patients and families living with dementia.
- Identify specific treatment strategies in the palliative management of dementia.