With improvements in neuroimaging, researchers are learning much more about the underlying processes that cause Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. While increased neuroscientific knowledge is always welcome, there's some concern that the medical community might discount the role that psychologists can play in characterizing, diagnosing and treating the disease.
Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) proposed re-classifying diagnoses for dementia as "Diseases of the Nervous System," rather than "Mental or Behavioural Disorders," as they are now classified. APA is concerned that this change could preclude some health-care professionals from providing diagnostic assessment and intervention, reducing access to and quality of care for people with dementia.
In February, APA President Antonio E. Puente, PhD, and Interim Chief Executive Officer Cynthia D. Belar, PhD, issued a letter to the WHO arguing that this reclassification is ill-advised. As the letter states, "the science and practice of psychology are integral to efforts to assess, diagnose, treat, and support individuals with dementia, and to lighten the burden of the families and institutions that provide their care." —Kirsten Weir