|
Organizations providing information and
referral for dementia patients and families include the Alzheimer's
Association ([800] 272-3900), the Geriatric Psychiatry Alliance ([888]
463-6472), the American Geriatrics Society ([212] 308-1414), and the
Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center ([800] 438-4380). All
offer consumer education, research, and support programs.
AD is a physical and psychiatric disease, yet its role in many health plans
is unclear. Some patients have been denied eligibility for some state-funded
services, such as Medicaid. Social and medical research can be directed
towards finding just ways to pay for AD. More, to maximize the access to
care of dementia patients, evidence-based treatment protocols should shape
decisions by health care delivery systems. Finally, special care should be
taken to protect the rights of cognitively impaired adults, including the
use of advance directives and durable powers of attorney.
|