(2023) What applies to people with dementia?

Dementia is the most common and consequential psychiatric illness in old age. It is estimated that over 1.1 million people in Germany currently suffer from moderate to severe dementia, about two-thirds of them from Alzheimer's disease. Approximately 11,000 people are newly diagnosed each year. Since a cure for dementia is not yet possible, the focus of care for these individuals is on support and nursing.

About 60 per cent of all people with dementia are cared for at home by their relatives. Families are often supported by outpatient nursing services. However, family and outpatient care are often overwhelmed, as caring for people with dementia involves special challenges. It requires a great deal of time, attention, and energy.

The diagnosis of dementia is by far the most common reason for admission to a care home. Well over half of the people living in nursing homes suffer from dementia.

The reasons for the need for care do not matter. It is irrelevant whether this is due to an accident, illness, disability, or simply age-related.