International Perspective on Dementia Friendly Communities
Dr. Jacob Roy Kuriakose Chairman, ADI
a) Increasing numbersb) Negative cultural
attitudec) Discrimination leading
to social isolationd) Stigmae) Barriers in the physical
environmentf) Poor designs
Why are dementia friendly societies important?
Examples from various countries!!!
1. Dementia trends scheme (UK) 1million people to be trained
in dementia care
2. National wide caravan
• Champions to train one million supporters in next five
years (Japan)
3. Dementia with out walls (England)
4. Together for a dementia friendly brings (Belgium)
5. Dementia friendly communities (Scotland)
6. Dementia friendly hospitals (UK)
About Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI)
• Established 1984• The umbrella organisation
of Alzheimer associations around the world
• 79 member associations
Aims to help establish and strengthen Alzheimer associations throughout the world, and to raise global awareness about Alzheimer's disease and all other causes of dementia
Dementia Worldwide
Dementia Worldwide
US$604 billion in 2010
•Includes direct
medical costs, direct
non-medical costs
and costs of informal
(family) care
World Alzheimer’s Month
• 2012 first World Alzheimer’s Month
• 2012 Dementia: living together• 70 countries participated• 2013: A Journey of Caring• World Alzheimer Report on
continuum of care• Facebook campaign
September is World Alzheimer’s Month21 September is World Alzheimer’s Day
www.alz.co.uk/world-alzheimers-month
World Health Organization
• Advocating for dementia to be a global health priority
• Statements given by ADI representatives at regional meetings of the WHO
• Present at World Health Assembly each year
• Collaborated with WHO on dementia report
In Official Relations with WHO since 1996
WHO report on dementia
• Launched on 11 April 2012• International collaboration
between ADI and WHO• A new case of dementia every
4 seconds• Inclusion of ADI’s figures from
World Alzheimer Reports• Call for WHO member nations
to act now
www.alz.co.uk/WHO-dementia-report
Dementia: a public health priority
Advocacy
• Advocacy as part of the NCD Alliance (non-communicable diseases)
• Joint statement on NCDs with 10 other ageing and care organisations
• Consultative status with United Nations since August 2012
• Tracking national dementia plans
www.alz.co.uk/alzheimer-plans
• UK undoubtedly the major player in developing and implementing the concept.
• US, Ireland, Australia, Japan, Belgium
• Reports of quality work have already emerged the concept is catching up internationally but in different shapes and forms.
Towards dementia friendly initiative
Key messages relevant internationally
• There should be an integrated approach relevant to local circumstancesto enable people with dementia live successfully in the society
• Social inclusiveness is the heart of the concept
• Any measure should be aimed at improving the quality of life
• There should be a conducive social and physical environment • Strong network of carers and supporters is essential• People with dementia and their carers should be the key decision
makers• The whole community should be dementia aware most
communities already have several good dementia friendly aspects, they only need further adaptations
• Better information packages and custom built training should be available
• “Dementia friends”, the responsibilities should be culturally appropriate and locally relevant
• Social welfare aspects of elderly with dementia is the most diverse aspect with many countries having no or minimal provisions.
In international context, transferable criteria include
Organisations in the UK like Alz Soc. can take a lead role internationally
• In the development and implementation of DFC
• Create a database• Provide a network• Evaluate the progress• Advise on guidelines for
recognition of DFC• Identify key areas of DFC
research
The way forward
UK has been leading the way•Create a more inclusive society
Where a person with dementia can lead a life of honour and dignity