The Gerontologist Special Issue Focuses on Quality-of-Life
for those with Dementia in Long-Term Residential Care

Recent estimates reveal that approximately 50 percent or one million residents in long-term care assisted living and nursing homes have dementia. This figure is expected to increase substantially as the population ages, making the need for dementia care staff training critical.

In a special issue of The Gerontologist released this month, 16 articles explored quality of life and specific care needs for people with dementia in assisted living and nursing homes. The volume, titled "Dementia Care and Quality of Life in Assisted Living and Nursing Homes," was made possible through a grant from the Alzheimer's Association and was guest edited by Richard Schulz, Ph.D, of the University Center for Social and Urban Research at The University of Pittsburgh.

"This research forms part of the foundation of the Alzheimer's Association Campaign for Quality Residential Care initiated to enhance care for individuals with dementia in long-term care residential settings," said Harry Johns, president and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association. "The findings of this research reinforce our Campaign and the Association's mission to support and improve the quality of lives of those with Alzheimer's, their families and caregivers."

By 2050, the number of people with Alzheimer's disease could reach 16 million and for many families, long-term residential care will be the care option of choice.

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The Gerontologist is a refereed publication of The Gerontological Society of America, the oldest and largest national multidisciplinary scientific organization devoted to the advancement of gerontological research. Founded in 1945, its membership includes some 5,000+ researchers, educators, practitioners, and other professionals in the field of aging. The Society's principal missions are to promote research and education in aging and to encourage the dissemination of research results to other scientists, decision makers, and practitioners.

The Alzheimer's Association, the world leader in Alzheimer research and support, is the first and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to finding prevention methods, treatments and an eventual cure for Alzheimer's. For nearly 25 years, the donor-supported, not-for-profit Alzheimer's Association has provided reliable information and care consultation; created supportive services for families; increased funding for dementia research; and influenced public policy changes.

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