More than 5 million older adults in the US are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), and the prevalence of ADRD is expected to rise to 16 million by 2050. Dementia care specialists (DCSs) have been proposed as a solution in California aimed at keeping older individuals with ADRD in their homes and assisting with care coordination and supporting caregivers.

This report characterizes the roles, practice, training and current demand for DCSs.