Global governmental and nongovernmental action on dementia

Abstract

The number of people with dementia is increasing globally, especially in scarce-resource countries. Health-care systems are in danger of becoming overwhelmed by the costs of caring for people with dementia and supporting their family carers. Health professionals including psychiatrists and neurologists in countries across the world have a significant role in the network of health and social services that support dementia care. Dementia care is an integral part of general health care and public health and the attainment of universal health coverage. Support for community workers, family carers and those living with dementia is becoming a priority in high-income as well as scarce-resource countries. In May 2017, the World Health Assembly endorsed the Global action plan on the public health response to dementia 2017–2025. It is a guide for action – for policy-makers, international, regional and national partners, and WHO – in areas such as: increasing awareness of dementia and establishing dementia-friendly initiatives; reducing the risk of dementia; diagnosis, treatment and care; research and innovation; and support for dementia carers. The Lancet Commission on dementia (July 2017) calls on governments to generate updated action plans for dementia along these lines to tackle the impending dementia crisis. Psychiatrists, neurologists and health professionals make an essential contribution to each area of action in the national and local plans, with an emphasis on working in partnerships. They contribute either directly in their clinical consultations with families and those living with dementia, or indirectly through advocacy and partnerships with primary health care and community workers and civil society groups. The presentation will consider how professional associations can best support health professionals in different parts of the world in the needed focus on community-oriented care.