The number of new dementia cases per year is expected to double by 2060, according to research data published by the National Institutes of Health. They cite an aging U.S population as the main reason for the rapidly increasing rates of dementia diagnoses.

Southcoast Health recognized the need for memory care in Southern Massachusetts and launched a memory health program last July under the leadership of Neurologist Dennis Fitzgerald.

He joined 12 News Anchor Shannon Hegy on the latest edition of 12 Health to talk about the services they offer for both patients and caregivers, and also explain the different types of memory disorders that fall under the umbrella of dementia.

Dr. Fitzgerald said he sees about five new patients a day, four days a week, in the program, spending an hour with them to gather as much information as possible as part of a dedicated cognitive assessment.

See more at wpri.com.