It’s no secret dementia specialists are stretched to their limits. July 2024 research estimates 34%–59% of people aged 65+ live in an area with a shortage of neurologists, geriatricians, and geriatric psychiatrists. This puts much of the burden of diagnosing and treating dementia on primary care providers, some of whom say they are unprepared to help the rising numbers of people with dementia. Providers are turning to telehealth to narrow that gap. Digital treatment is offered by major health systems like Chicago-based Northwestern Medicine, which launched a virtual memory care clinic in 2024. In addition, private virtual dementia care startups have popped up, like Isaac Health, founded in 2022 and backed by venture capital firms including Flare Capital Partners and Meridian Street Capital. Major payers like Medicare have gotten on board, too. Experts in the field caution, however, that while digital diagnosis and treatment has promise, the field is still gathering evidence and shaping best practice guidelines. Here’s why experts are split.—CC | 
