More Than Just Medication Makes the Best Dementia Care

The UCSF team compared outcomes for dementia patients in collaborative care programs with those taking an approved drug proven to slow Alzheimer’s progression in some patients. These collaborative care programs pair caregivers with patient navigators who coordinate with medical teams and connect families to community resources.

The results? Collaborative care gave patients more time living in better health. When they added medications on top of collaborative care, patients gained even more quality years. So yes, the medication helps, but the support system helps more.

What really stands out is what this means in everyday life. Patients in collaborative care programs had, on average, four more months at home before needing to move to a nursing home. If you’ve ever watched someone you love struggle with dementia, you know how precious those extra months of independence can be.

What’s more, collaborative care saved $48,000 per patient, partially due to fewer hospital visits. Adding medication increased costs by $38,400. So, collaborative care can make for better outcomes while saving money.

One of the best things about collaborative care programs is that they can serve a broader population than medication. They work for people in more advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and for the 20% to 40% of patients with other types of dementia. Some drugs are only approved for mild Alzheimer’s and mild cognitive impairment. Plus, not everyone can easily access specialty clinics for the infusions, especially people in rural areas or those dealing with high out-of-pocket costs.

“We’re going to see more drugs and better drugs soon, and I think that’s very exciting,” said researcher Dr. Katherine Possin. “But we can’t just focus on the drugs, we need to rethink our system of care.”

That’s the most hopeful takeaway here. Yes, pharmaceutical breakthroughs are coming, and that’s exciting. But we don’t have to sit around waiting for the next miracle drug. There are things we can do right now that make a real difference—such as making sure patients and their families have the support, guidance, and resources they need to navigate this challenging journey.

The best news? We don’t have to choose. Clinics that integrate collaborative care with medications might be the sweet spot for helping patients in this new era of dementia treatment.

If you or someone you love is dealing with dementia, it’s worth asking your doctor about care navigation programs. Dementia care works best when it is a team effort, and a dementia care navigator can be an important member of your team.

This article is not intended to replace the advice of your health care provider.