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The Long View

Howard Gleckman: We Pretend This Isn’t a Problem

Jan 16, 2024
Howard Gleckman, an expert on aging and caregiving, discusses the growing need for long-term care and the impact of cognitive decline. The effectiveness and challenges of new Alzheimer's drugs are explored, along with the confusion around long-term care coverage. The devastating impact of COVID-19 on nursing homes and the toll that caregiving takes on families are highlighted. A thought-provoking conversation on a crucial topic.
54:16

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The lack of a comprehensive system to support the aging population has resulted in a pressing demand for effective long-term care solutions.
  • While drugs aimed at removing amyloid beta, a protein associated with Alzheimer's disease, have shown limited success, they do not reverse the damage caused by Alzheimer's or provide substantial clinical benefits to patients.

Deep dives

Understanding Long-Term Care and its Growing Need

Long-term care refers to the personal support that individuals with chronic illnesses need to live a fulfilling life. It encompasses assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, eating, and managing finances, along with other personal needs. The growing need for long-term care is primarily due to medical advancements that have extended human lifespans. However, the lack of a comprehensive system to support the aging population has become a challenge, especially when individuals require personal assistance and care. This has led to a pressing demand for effective long-term care solutions.

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