Global overview Dementia Friendly Communities

MARC WORTMANN

About Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI)

• Established 1984• The umbrella

organisation of Alzheimer associations around the world

• 85 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

Policy work stream 2016

National dementia plans • December 2013: 13 plans• May 2016: 26 plans• Includes countries like

Mexico, Costa Rica and Indonesia

• Aim for WHO resolution to get others on board

• Work with Panamerican Health Organization

• Use UN Convention on Rights of People with Disabilities

• Promote Dementia Friendly Communities

World Alzheimer’s Month

• September is World Alzheimer’s Month

• International campaign to raise awareness globally

• 2015 & 2016 theme: Remember Me

• Yellow sticky notes• Over 60 countries around the

world participate• Activities include Memory

Walks, information provision, media and fundraising events

• World Alzheimer Report 2016

Involvement ofPeople with Dementia

• Involved in conference, Alzheimer University and advocacy work

• Personal stories featured in every Global Perspective newsletter

• Specific position for person with dementia on Elected Board

• Partnership with Dementia Alliance Internationalwww.alz.co.uk/icaniwill

Dementia Friendly Communities

Definition

Nothing about us, without us

“A dementia-friendly community is a place where people living with dementia are supported to live a high quality of life

with meaning, purpose and value, and where we are included”

Kate Swaffer, Chair Dementia Alliance International

Four expressions of dementia friendly

• Human rights: As embodied in the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities

• Awareness: exemplified by Dementia Friends and Dementia Friendly Communities programs. The lived experience

• Health and services: Focuses on increasing the capability of the workforce and key services

• Improve the physical environment: residential care, public spaces - the Ageing Cities movement

Making distinctions

Dementia Friendly is;• Not the same as

charity – it is not a gift but a right

• Not just about the numbers of dementia friends

• Not about relieving government of their responsibilities

Some country examples

Japan, Uji City (Kyoto area)

• Population 190,000• Over 65: 50,000 (26%)• PWD estimate 7,400• Dementia Supporters

7,400• Involving all

stakeholders: PWD, Social services, shops, transport, banks, local government, GPs etc

• Lemon Cafe

I had early diagnosis and started treatment.

I spend active life with the understanding & support from all people around me.

I have a role as a community member.

I can receive appropriate medical services.

I have a comfortable place to stay.

I can expect a cure.

I receive the appropriate services for younger onset dementia.

People understand my difficulty in communication and respect my wishes.

I & my family are well supported and feel peace of mind.

I can enjoy my daily life with my favorite

things

Object of the Uji’s DFC Project Care/Cure ・ Social Inclusion ・Understanding

Bruges, Belgium 1st Dementia

Friendly City

What do Dementia Friends do?

• Focus groups:• Persons with dementia• Caregivers• Dementia Design• Health Care Community Centers• Media & Arts• Legal, Business and Banking• Faith based organisations• General public

• Challenges: lack of understanding, funding, cost to families, competition other diseases, stringent policies

• Recommendations: Social Structure, Infrastructure, Technology, Policy/Government Initiatives

Singapore

• Comprehensive approach – involve whole of society• People with dementia at the heart• Every context is different, every community is

different• Alzheimer associations can take the lead but should

involve others – create partnerships• It helps to raise awareness• More positive language

If a community is dementia friendly it is friendly to all!

What can we learn from these examples?

Two new DFC publications to be launched 21 April 2016

• This idea is relatively new and still evolving• Mobilising grass roots and local creativity• There is no single solution• We want to provide guidance and food for thought –

not to tell you what to do• Bottom line is the involvement of people with

Alzheimer’s and dementia

Keep in mind