Transforming Dementia Care: The NIA's Impact

Over the last half-century, the National Institute of Aging (NIA) has played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of dementia caregiving. Alongside other public and private initiatives, the NIA has driven innovation through funding and leadership. They've supported basic research that has led to practical interventions for caregivers. As the demand for dementia care grew, the NIA backed multidisciplinary teams to create detailed models of family caregiving. Today, this research guides public policies and helps communities offer much-needed support. With the number of people living with dementia in the US nearing 7 million, the NIA's work is more vital than ever. They continue to lead by fostering collaboration among top scientists and promoting the use of advanced datasets and standardized methods. The value of family caregiving is estimated at $350 billion, underscoring the importance of the NIA's contributions.