Dementia - challenges today and tomorrow Dr. Stefanie Becker Alzheimer Switzerland Lions Forum, Skopje, Macedonia, 26. Oktober 2018

Overview Facts about dementia The public opinion – «old-fashioned» Public challenge: Dementia Dementia affects us all Summary

Overview Facts about dementia The public opinion – «old-fashioned» Public challenge: Dementia Dementia affects us all Summary

Dementia affects us all – a public challenge Source: WHO 2018, ADI 2018

Demenita or Alzheimer’s? But no cure does not mean no treatment!

Neuropathological changes

Dementia is more than forgetting Noncognitive / behavioural symptoms are most distressing for family members

Overview Facts about dementia The public opinion – «old-fashioned» Public challenge: Dementia Dementia affects us all Summary

The public opinion Auguste Deter first Alzheimer’s patient 1901

Dementia today

Overview Facts about dementia The public opinion – «old-fashioned» Public challenge: Dementia Dementia affects us all Summary

Dementia- a public health priority (WHO) 75% of countries will have developed or updated national policies, strategies, plans or frameworks for dementia, either stand-alone or integrated into other policies/plans, by 2025. If all current policies and plans went on to be adopted or were replaced by new plans, less than a third of the WHO target would be achieved in the near future (60 plans, 41%).

Demenita awareness and friendliness 100% of countries will have at least one functioning public awareness campaign on dementia to foster a dementia-inclusive society by 2025. Reducing stigma is a fundamental objective and basic requirement for dementia-friendly societies. 14 million ‘Dementia Friends’ in 22 countries worldwide, and five other states are developing the programme in 2018.

Dementia risk reduction Targets defined in the Global action plan are achieved, like 10% relative reduction in prevalence of insufficient physical activity 30% relative reduction in prevalence of current tobacco use in persons aged 15 years and older A halt in the rise in diabetes and obesity 25% relative reduction in the prevalence of raised blood pressure Message:  What is good for your heart is good for your brain A mid-term review of the achievement of the targets was planned for World Alzheimer’s Month in September 2018. However, already in December 2017 the NCD Alliance described progress as ‘worryingly slow’.

Dementia diagnosis and treatment In at least 50% of countries, as a minimum, 50% of the estimated number of people with dementia are diagnosed by 2025. 75% of countries provide support and training programmes for carers and families of people with dementia by 2025. Improving the likelihood of earlier diagnosis must be enhanced at the national level introducing more services aimed at early stage dementia, such as Memory Clinics, and coordinating more effective care pathways for dementia.

Dementia research and innovation The output of global research on dementia doubles between 2017 and 2025. Data and information systems on dementia are missing both in policy and in practice at all levels.

Overview Facts about dementia The public opinion – «old-fashioned» Public challenge: Dementia Dementia affects us all Summary

Dementia concerns us all- What can YOU do? We don’t have to start from the scratch! Alzheimer organisations are partners and will be happy to support! Reach out for information at other countries Gather data (medical, social, financial…), only facts will convince the politicians Bring together people who are willing to engage Include people with dementia and their relatives - give them a voice Develop information material suitable for your cultural specialities Start spreading them at the family docters and neurological clinics ……..

Overview Facts about dementia The public opinion – «old-fashioned» Public challenge: Dementia Dementia affects us all Summary

Still a lot to do Improving the likelihood of earlier diagnosis must be enhanced. Scale of challenge is huge: progress too slow, less than 2/3 achieved until 2025 Important data are still missing! 14 million ‘Dementia Friends’ in 22 countries worldwide Progress ‘worryingly slow’

Thank you very much!