Unmet Need and Support Among People with Dementia and Functional Limitations

Dementia and functional limitations significantly impact the lives of affected individuals, their families, and society as a whole. As the prevalence of these conditions continues to rise globally, it is crucial to understand the diverse needs of this population and provide comprehensive, person-centered support. This chapter explores the types of needs experienced by individuals with dementia and functional limitations, including medical, cognitive, daily living, psychological, social, and ethical needs. It also examines the needs of key stakeholders such as caregivers and family members. This chapter reviews existing support systems and resources, including governance bodies, healthcare services, legal frameworks, and various support models employed in different countries. However, it identifies significant gaps and limitations in meeting both the technical needs (such as early diagnosis and treatment) and nontechnical support services (like cognitive support and respite care). Demographic, socioeconomic, and healthcare system factors that influence these unmet needs are discussed. Strategies for improvement are proposed, focusing on leveraging technological advancements in diagnosis and monitoring as well as implementing comprehensive nonpharmacological interventions to enhance quality of life. These include person-centered care approaches, dementia-friendly communities, case management, and caregiver support programs. A multifaceted approach involving collaboration between policymakers, healthcare providers, researchers, and community organizations is necessary to address unmet needs and provide equitable, high-quality support. This chapter calls for future research to focus on developing innovative solutions, evaluating intervention effectiveness, and translating findings into practice.