FROM RESEARCH TO POLICY TO IMPLEMENTATION: THE CASE OF THE ISRAELI NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN TO ADDRESS ALZHEIMER'S AND OTHER TYPES OF DEMENTIA

Abstract

In 2013, Israel developed and adopted a National Strategic Plan to Address Alzheimer's and Other Types of Dementia based on the work of a multidisciplinary group of experts from the Ministries of Health, Social Affairs, Senior Citizens, and the National Insurance Institute. In addition professional societies, the Israel Alzheimer's Association (EMDA), public foundations, the health funds, and non-governmental agencies, as well as members of academia were represented. The plan has 7 objectives: raising professional and public awareness of dementia, developing health services targeting people with dementia, developing social services, family and caregiver support, improving long term care institutional services, professional training, and research. The Ministry of Health is leading the Strategic Plan through an implementation committee including representatives of all stakeholders. Major initiatives and accomplishments to date include Three media campaigns that have increased public and professional awareness of dementia A “Dementia Friends” program in partnership with local municipalities and EMDA also to increase public awareness Financial support to the health funds to develop programs of primary care team training, and case management for people with dementia. Competitive financial support for acute and chronic care hospitals to develop programs that train professional staff; and identify, treat and discharge people with dementia using innovative care pathways. A national dementia registry is being built in cooperation with the health funds to provide a tool for policy development, planning, and research. Caregiver support and education have been a major focus with funding provided for different models of group and individual programs. The Israel National Strategic Plan to Address Alzheimer's and Other Types of Dementia has led to cooperation between governmental ministries and across public and private agencies. The major initiatives described have resulted in an increased awareness of dementia, not only among professionals and the public, but also among policy makers. Our goal is to continue to promote care for people with dementia and their families as a public health priority.