Dementia, a condition affecting millions, represents a significant challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that dementia is the third leading cause of mortality in Europe and ranks seventh globally.

The societal cost associated with dementia in Europe was a staggering €392 billion in 2019. Projections indicate that by 2025, approximately 9.1 million individuals in the European Union will be living with dementia, and that number is expected to soar to 14.3 million by 2050.

In light of these alarming statistics, Alzheimer's Europe has taken a keen interest in understanding and addressing the gaps in dementia care provision through its recent publication, the 'European Dementia Monitor 2023.'

This report highlights the disparities in dementia care across the continent, revealing that while some countries have made noteworthy advancements in care, the benefits are not distributed evenly. A marked East-West divide persists, with Western and Northern European nations consistently outperforming their Eastern counterparts in terms of care services and support for those affected by dementia.

One of the critical issues identified in the Monitor is the inconsistent availability and affordability of health and care services. Many individuals living with dementia, along with their caregivers, face barriers in accessing essential services, which can vary dramatically depending on geographic location.

In 2021, the WHO detailed the state of dementia care in the Global Status Report on the Global Action Plan on the Public Health Response to Dementia 2017-2025, underscoring that, despite progress, many targets remain unmet.

A fundamental aspect of improving dementia care lies in implementing national dementia strategies. Research indicates that countries with established national strategies tend to perform better in care provision. It is imperative that nations prioritize these fully funded strategies to coordinate efforts across health policy, research, and social support networks for caregivers.

Recent findings from the Lancet Commission on dementia present some encouraging news: as many as 45% of dementia cases may be preventable.

Identifying 14 critical risk factors—many of which overlap with other health challenges—paves the way for public health initiatives to incorporate dementia prevention into broader health strategies.

Groundbreaking "brain health" initiatives in countries like Norway, Scotland, and Switzerland focus on raising awareness and implementing interventions aimed at reducing dementia risk.

Additionally, prompt diagnosis of cognitive conditions is vital. A report from Alzheimer's Europe revealed that the average time for receiving a diagnosis following the onset of symptoms was an agonizing 2.1 years for families.

Facilitating timely and accurate diagnosis, along with adequate post-diagnostic support, is essential to help individuals and their families navigate the journey post-diagnosis.

A collaborative, holistic approach involving a diverse range of stakeholders is essential for improving the experiences of people with dementia. This partnership should include healthcare professionals, policymakers, social care entities, researchers, industry experts, and most importantly, those living with dementia.

Effective policy development requires this comprehensive involvement, and there is an urgent need for alignment between purely strategic goals set by organizations like WHO and the actual delivery of services on the ground.

In 2024, Alzheimer's Europe aims to champion the cause of dementia during the upcoming European Parliament elections with their campaign, which encapsulates three main elements: the Helsinki Manifesto, a public Call to Action, and the Dementia Pledge 2024.

The Helsinki Manifesto outlines the current status of dementia in Europe, targeting specific actions from the European Commission and national governments.

The public Call to Action encourages citizens to advocate for dementia to become a high-priority policy concern, while the Dementia Pledge invites candidates to commit to addressing dementia in health, research, and social care strategies.

With a range of policy areas including health, research, disability rights, and caregiver support, the Helsinki Manifesto outlines critical actions to be undertaken, such as investing in timely diagnostic improvements and enhancing research funding to match the societal costs associated with dementia.

Alzheimer Europe is committed to sustaining this momentum through the end of the year, continuously pushing for meaningful changes that will enhance the lives of those impacted by dementia in Europe.

The time to act is now—join the movement to ensure that dementia care becomes a priority across all tiers of governance and society!