International Perspective on Dementia Friendly Communities Dr. Jacob Roy Kuriakose Chairman, ADI

a)Increasing numbers b)Negative cultural attitude c)Discrimination leading to social isolation d)Stigma e)Barriers in the physical environment f)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

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 Month 21 September is World Alzheimer’s Day

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 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

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 circumstances to 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