People with Alzheimer’s Disease are more Vulnerable to Abuse

The number of people in Armenia with Alzheimer’s disease is expected to grow exponentially in the coming decades. Currently around 14.4% of Armenia’s population is already over the age of 60. By 2050, 31.5% of Armenia’s population will be over the age of 60. Dr. Jane Mahakian, Founder of Alzheimer’s Care Armenia reports Alzheimer’s disease is underserved and overlooked in Armenia. Just like dementia, elder abuse is hidden and not discussed. Elderly people with dementia are at a greater risk of abuse and neglect because of the lack of education and training of their family caregivers in Armenia. Increasing visibility about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in Armenia is the first step to address this mistreatment of older adults with dementia.