The city’s senior population is facing a growing crisis as dementia cases surge, affecting not only individuals but also families and caregivers. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 16% of D.C.’s seniors are living with dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease, which is higher than any U.S. county or state.
To address this issue, advocates are pushing for a “dementia village” model, which fosters social inclusion and provides specialized care for residents with advanced dementia. The Hogeweyk in the Netherlands is an example of such a village, where 188 residents live together in 27 houses, cooking meals, tending gardens, and shopping at their own on-site grocery store.
Developers and community wellness advocates are exploring similar models in D.C., including Iona Senior Services’ hybrid dementia village model. The organization has already offered free memory clinics to screen seniors for signs of cognitive loss.
However, funding for these initiatives is a significant challenge. The city’s 14,000 caregivers often face financial confusion due to memory lapses, and access to care remains limited in lower-income neighborhoods.
The need for community-based solutions is urgent, as 40% of D.C.’s seniors facing mental decline report needing help with daily tasks like cooking or taking medications, but only 18% receive assistance. Experts emphasize the importance of building age-friendly communities integrated with healthcare services.
While the MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) and SAGE (Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination) tests can detect early signs of dementia, they must be followed up on by healthcare providers to ensure accurate diagnoses. As the U.S. population grows older, it’s essential for policymakers to prioritize dementia care and develop solutions that support seniors and their caregivers.
A recent survey found that 8 out of 81 people screened by Iona have been found to have “no memory concerns,” while 5 are classified as having severe dementia. Each score came with a suggested follow-up, but participation is voluntary.
The story highlights the importance of community-based solutions, early detection, and follow-up care in addressing the growing crisis of dementia in D.C. It emphasizes the need for policymakers to prioritize dementia care and develop innovative solutions that support seniors and their caregivers.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/interactive/2025/dementia-village-dc-seniors-screening