Dementia is a growing concern in Baltimore affecting thousands of residents and their families. As our population continues to age, the prevalence of dementia is expected to rise, making it imperative for our community to address this issue with urgency and compassion.

Dementia is not just some simple medical condition that can just disappear — it is a social issue that impacts the quality of life for individuals and their families. The challenges posed by dementia are multifaceted, including memory loss, confusion, personality changes and difficulty with daily tasks. These symptoms can lead to isolation, depression and a diminished sense of self-worth. In Baltimore, there is an urgent need for a more comprehensive approach to dementia care — one that ensures everyone affected receives not only emotional support but also the resources and services necessary to navigate the challenges of the disease with dignity and ease.

Firstly, we must recognize that dementia care is not solely the responsibility of health care providers. It requires a community-wide effort to create a supportive environment for those affected. This includes raising awareness, providing education and fostering a culture of empathy and understanding. By advocating for dementia-friendly communities, we can ensure that individuals with dementia feel valued and included.

Secondly, there is a critical need for increased funding and resources for dementia care. This includes investing in research to better understand the disease, developing effective treatments and providing support services for caregivers. Baltimore has the potential to become a national leader in dementia care — not only because of the rates of the disease in the city, but also due to its capacity for innovation and community engagement. Realizing this potential, however, requires a strong commitment from both public and private sectors to invest in the necessary resources and infrastructure.

The statistics surrounding dementia are alarming. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, roughly 130,000 Marylanders are living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. These are not just statistics — they represent our neighbors, parents and friends. Dementia does not just affect individuals; it affects entire families and communities.

In Baltimore, the impact is especially profound. Many residents face barriers to early diagnosis and care due to limited access to specialists, financial constraints and a lack of culturally competent services. For Black and Latino communities — who are statistically more likely to develop dementia — these challenges are even more pronounced. These disparities will continue to grow unless we implement focused outreach and support efforts.

Programs and initiatives such as Baltimore County’s Dementia Friendly initiative are a promising example of how local governments can lead the way. This program offers memory screenings, caregiver support and community education to reduce stigma and improve quality of life. It is a model that should be expanded citywide and supported with sustainable funding.

We need to invest in caregiver support. Family members often become full-time caregivers with little training or assistance. The emotional and financial toll is overwhelming. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, caregivers of people with dementia provide an average of 27 hours of care per week, often juggling jobs and other responsibilities. Insufficient support leads to caregiver burnout, which in turn compromises the health and stability of everyone involved.

We must also increase public awareness. Dementia is still widely misunderstood, and because of the stigma, it prevents many from seeking help. Public education campaigns — especially in underserved neighborhoods — can help people recognize early signs and connect with resources.

Then, we need to expand access to diagnosis and care. This means funding more memory clinics, training primary care providers to recognize dementia symptoms — and ensuring that services are affordable and accessible to all.

We must also support caregivers. This includes respite care, support groups and financial assistance programs. Caregivers are the backbone of dementia care, and they deserve to be treated with the same respect/support as health care professionals.

Finally, we need to build dementia-friendly communities. This means training businesses, libraries and public service workers to interact compassionately with people living with cognitive impairments. It means designing public spaces that are safe and navigable for those with memory loss. And it means listening to the voices of those directly affected.

Dementia is not going away. But with the right policies, partnerships and public support we can make Baltimore a place where people with dementia — and their caregivers — are supported, respected and empowered to live their lives to the fullest.

Taylor Penn-Vessels is a student at Coppin State University majoring in social work.