Global Dementia Strategy: Current Stage and Challenges

• Published in: International psychogeriatrics 2024-09, Vol.36 (S1), p.2-2
• Main Author: Urbina, Liliana
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Accountability; Action; Best practice; Dementia; Health information; Health status; Informal care; Information systems; Medical diagnosis; Mental health; Observatories; Opening Keynote; Policy implementation; Policy making; Public health; Research transfer; Risk reduction; Tracking; Women
• ISSN: 1041-6102; 1741-203X
• DOI: 10.1017/S1041610224000942

Dementia is a critical global health issue affecting more than 55 million people, and this number is projected to rise to nearly 80 million by the end of the decade. It is the seventh leading cause of death, disproportionately affecting women, with most cases occurring in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs). The economic burden of dementia is immense, with annual costs estimated at $1.3 trillion in 2019, expected to more than double by 2030. Half of these costs are due to informal care, primarily provided by women, who face significant impacts on their physical and mental health. Despite its severity, dementia receives insufficient attention. In May 2017, recognizing dementia as a public health priority, the World Health Assembly approved the Global Action Plan on the Public Health Response to Dementia 2017-2025, which serves as a comprehensive blueprint for policymakers, international, regional, and national partners, and the WHO. The plan addresses the issue through seven strategic areas: policy; awareness; risk reduction; diagnosis, treatment, care and support; strengthening health information systems, and research. However, significant gaps remain in diagnostics, national dementia plans, and research. To facilitate the monitoring of the global action plan, WHO has created the Global Dementia Observatory (GDO), a portal that collects national data on 35 key indicators across the seven strategic areas of the global action plan. Complementing the Observatory, WHO launched a Knowledge Exchange Platform, a repository of best practice examples aimed at fostering mutual learning and multidirectional exchange among regions, countries, and individuals, to facilitate global action. The GDO serves as a monitoring and accountability tool, guiding countries in policy implementation and progress tracking. To meet the 2025 targets, accelerated efforts are needed, emphasizing national responses, equitable access to services, and inclusion of people with dementia. Renewed political commitment and robust health information systems are essential to guide effective planning and action.