Dementia care shifts toward holistic rehabilitation and long-term support

As global populations age, experts are emphasizing the need for holistic approaches to dementia care that extend beyond mere diagnosis. The focus is shifting toward maintaining functional ability and improving 'healthspan' through rehabilitation and comprehensive support systems.

In Australia, there is a call to move away from a deficit-based mindset that views dementia solely as a process of decline. Instead, rehabilitation and reablement are being highlighted as essential tools to help individuals maintain independence and participate in meaningful activities by building intrinsic capacity and utilizing environmental supports.

In India, the rising prevalence of dementia necessitates an ecosystem that combines early identification with long-term interventions. Specialists note that while diagnosis allows families to plan for the future, effective care must also address cognitive stimulation, physical health, routines, and emotional wellbeing to support both patients and caregivers.