The growing potential for multidisciplinary support and technology to enhance person-centred dementia care: a UK and US perspective

Globally more than 55 million people live with dementia, which is estimated to increase threefold by 2050. Dementia poses major challenges for healthcare systems, societies and families, making it a recognised public health priority by the World Health Organization. Advances in pharmacological treatment approaches and new technologies suggest promising improvements in quality-of-life outcomes for people with dementia. However, these new developments may exacerbate existing inequalities in access to dementia treatments and services, depending on how well the organisation and delivery of healthcare services can evolve to successfully link those affected by dementia with treatment options and effective support. In this commentary, we present two important directions to addressing these growing holistic-care challenges and improving life-long quality of life for the patient: firstly, the role of dedicated multidisciplinary support to connect people with dementia to the various services engaged in their care, and secondly the use of technology as an enabler of multidisciplinary care through communication, shared information and coordination within such networks. In particular, we present examples of how artificial intelligence (AI) could be introduced as part of person-centred care during both the diagnosis and monitoring of the disease progression and treatment, to enhance tailoring of personalised therapeutic plans.