The implications of global aging for professionals in the fields of health and aging cannot be ignored, particularly for those who confront disorders of dementia. This article reviews the care needs of individuals with dementia and their family members, and examines the state of readiness of the social work profession for responding to the needs of these individuals. The authors assess professional social work roles and the size and scope of the supportive evidence base for social work practices in dementia care, and suggest several important areas for research attention.
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