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