Dementia Crisis is a Call for Action

Global to Local:  Dementia Action Plans Urgently Needed

A Staggering Rise in Dementia Cases

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 55 million people currently live with dementia worldwide, a figure expected to soar to 78 million by 2030 and 139 million by 2050. This dramatic increase highlights an urgent global health challenge that demands immediate and sustained action.

The Silent Epidemic of Undiagnosed Dementia

Compounding this crisis is the alarming number of undiagnosed cases. Research indicates that in high-income countries, only 20-50% of dementia cases are recognized and documented in primary care. The situation is even more dire in low and middle-income countries. For instance, a study in India suggests that 90% of dementia cases go undiagnosed. Extrapolating these findings globally, it’s estimated that three-quarters of individuals with dementia lack a formal diagnosis, thereby missing out on essential treatment, care, and support .

Dementia in Our Communities

People living with dementia are part of our everyday lives. They are our neighbors, friends, family members, and community members we interact with in places like grocery stores, banks, and community centers and faith communities. While many benefit from strong support systems, advanced technology, home care, adult day centers and senior living, millions are left isolated and struggling in unsafe conditions with minimal support.

Disparities in Access to Care

The disparity in access to healthcare and support services is glaring. In the United States, zip codes can determine the quality of care and support available to those with dementia. In developing countries, the number of dementia cases is increasing at a much faster rate due to health disparities, escalating the crisis daily.

Urgent Need for Community Preparedness

There is an urgent need for every community, from towns to entire countries, to enhance dementia awareness and caregiver education rapidly. Without such efforts, we risk exacerbating the challenges faced by people living with dementia and their families, leading to unsustainable costs and increased mortality.

The WHO's Global Action Plan

The WHO's Global action plan on the public health response to dementia 2017-2025 aims to improve the lives of those with dementia and their carers, while reducing dementia's impact on communities and countries. The plan outlines key areas for action:

  • Increasing Awareness and Prioritization: Promoting dementia awareness at all societal levels.
  • Reducing Dementia Risk: Implementing strategies to minimize risk factors.
  • Diagnosis, Treatment, and Care: Ensuring timely diagnosis and adequate care.
  • Support for Carers: Providing necessary support for caregivers.
  • Strengthening Information Systems: Enhancing data collection and analysis for better policy-making.
  • Research and Innovation: Fostering advancements in understanding and treating dementia.

Moving from Framework to Action

While frameworks at various levels are being developed, more needs to be done at a faster pace. Effective models provide a roadmap, but it is stakeholders who turn these plans into reality. At AGE-u-cate Training Institute, we are dedicated to fostering collaborations and partnerships to drive this essential work forward.

Call to Action

If you are part of a community-based organization, government entity, health plan, aging service provider, university, college, or training organization, we invite you to join us in addressing this significant public health crisis. Together, we can enhance dementia awareness, improve caregiver education, and ensure that communities worldwide are better prepared to support those living with dementia.

As our work expands globally, we welcome conversations and brainstorming that will lead to meaningful work.  Please contact us today to see how we can make a difference!

Contact Us

By understanding and addressing the growing dementia crisis, we can create a world where individuals with dementia live with dignity, support, and meaning. The time to act is now.

References:

  1. Alzheimer's Disease International. Dementia Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.alzint.org/about/dementia-facts-figures/dementia-statistics/
Pam Brandon
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Empowering Communities: Meals on Wheels' Role in Dementia Education and Support

MOW America

This week, I had the incredible opportunity to speak at the Meals on Wheels Texas Conference, where I shared our impactful Dementia Live® Experience with MOW community partners from across the state. The discussion was eye-opening and highlighted the pressing need for dementia education and awareness within our communities.

During my session, I posed a thought-provoking question to the attendees: "How many of you feel that your communities are Dementia-Ready?" Not a single positive response echoed in the packed room.

Subsequently, I asked, "How many of you have been personally touched by someone living with dementia?" About 80% of the attendees raised their hands, showcasing the widespread impact of dementia in our society.

Pam Brandon
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Building Blocks for Addressing the Dementia Crisis: Collaborative Solutions and Initiatives

The rising incidence of dementia and its toll on families is one piece of a significant domino effect on public health. As a caregiver for both my parents affected by dementia, I can say firsthand that there are no words to describe the emotional and physical price of this journey. I want to explore the broader crisis we face: the cost to our communities, public health, health systems, and the stakeholders who are all invested in this space.

First, let's face the reality: the looming aging tsunami, as it has been referred to for decades, is here. It is no longer a futuristic term. With this in mind, planning is accelerating into action at the federal, state, and local levels.

Pam Brandon
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The Rising Importance of Credentialing for Dementia Professionals

In today's rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the demand for highly skilled and knowledgeable dementia professionals is at an all-time high. With the dementia crisis reaching critical levels, the need for individuals who are well-trained and credentialed in this specialized field has never been more pressing. Let's delve into why seeking education and credentialing from reputable organizations is crucial for dementia professionals and the overall quality of care they provide.

1. Enhanced Skills for Exceptional Care

Dementia care is a multifaceted domain that requires a delicate balance of technical expertise and compassionate care. Additional education equips professionals with vital skills such as empathy building, effective communication strategies, and specialized care practices tailored to individuals with dementia. These core competencies are indispensable in navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, ensuring a higher standard of care for clients and their families.

Pam Brandon
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Building Trust - A Foundational Tool for Community Dementia Education

In today's world, where dementia is becoming increasingly prevalent, it's vital for communities to bridge the gap between knowledge and empathy through comprehensive dementia training. These programs serve as the cornerstone for building trust, enhancing communication, promoting inclusivity, and ultimately fostering a more compassionate and supportive environment for individuals living with dementia. Let's explore how diving into dementia training can create ripples of positive change within communities.

Empathy as the Anchor

At the heart of dementia training lies the cultivation of empathy. By delving into the challenges faced by those living with dementia, training programs dismantle stereotypes and foster a deeper understanding among participants. This newfound empathy becomes the anchor that grounds interactions, leading to increased compassion and respect for individuals affected by dementia. As empathy blooms, so does trust, laying a solid foundation for meaningful connections within the community.

Navigating the Waters of Communication

Effective communication is the bridge that connects individuals, especially when engaging with those living with dementia. Dementia training equips participants with essential communication strategies tailored to the unique needs of individuals with cognitive impairments. Techniques such as using clear language, maintaining eye contact, and practicing active listening become navigational tools in fostering meaningful conversations. As communication barriers dissolve, trust builds naturally, creating smoother sailing in community interactions.

Pam Brandon
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A Serious Look at Elder Abuse Prevention

Stop Elder Abuse

This article aims to delve into the importance of adopting strategies for preventing elder abuse.

Throughout my 32-year tenure in leadership roles within nursing homes, I consistently encountered frustration due to the scarcity of resources, both in terms of time and finances, as well as the absence of thoroughly researched and effective strategies for proactively preventing elder abuse. Despite implementing standard measures such as employee background checks, mandatory annual in-service training, and policy review during new hire orientations, I often sensed a lingering feeling that there was more we could do. Looking back, I now recognize that we also fell short in adequately educating family members on abuse prevention. However, one aspect where we excelled was in promptly reporting allegations, which appeared to hold utmost importance from a regulatory standpoint, regrettably so.

Whether a professional working with elders living in the community or congregate care, does your agency do enough?  Can you identify and describe the organizational strategy to prevent abuse?

Julie Boggess
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