Tunisia

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the current situation and the challenges Tunisia faces in the field of dementia care. Tunisia is a country in full demographic transition, witnessing an ageing of its population and an increase in dementia incidence and prevalence. There is growing awareness that the healthcare system needs to be better oriented towards this emerging problem. During the last 10 years, a number of public and private initiatives were implemented to improve diagnosis, treatment, training, and research on dementia. The major challenges facing dementia care in Tunisia include the need for early diagnosis and intervention, better coordination of care circuits, wider implementation of day care and residential care with the concurrent establishment of rigorous quality standards, and financial and psychological support for caregivers. Currently, a National Dementia Strategy is being developed in order to address these challenges. There is growing awareness among politicians and healthcare providers that the healthcare system needs to be more oriented towards the emerging problem of dementia in Tunisia. During the last ten years, a number of public and private institutions with focus on dementia care have been created. However, family members remain the cornerstone of dementia care in Tunisia. Currently, a National Dementia Strategy is being developed in order to address the following challenges: (1) the need for early diagnosis and intervention; (2) better coordination of care circuits; (3) wider implementation of day care and residential care with the concurrent establishment of rigorous quality standards; and (4) financial and psychological support for caregivers.