Thankfully, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the importance of creating better dementia care worldwide, because it looks very much like we are going to have a crisis on our hands in the near future.
In May 2017, the WHO endorsed a global action plan on the public health response to dementia, the goal of which is: “to improve the lives of people with dementia, their carers and families, while decreasing the impact of dementia on them as well as on communities and countries.”
On World Alzheimer’s Day 2017, the WHO launched a series of information sheets for various stakeholder groups involved in dementia care. Here’s what the WHO says people who live with dementia and their care partners can do to contribute to the overall goal of lessening the impact of dementia worldwide:
- Advocate for access to high-quality, community-based dementia prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care.
- Participate in the development of government policies, legislation, strategies, plans and care planning for dementia. (Like this.)
- Push to influence the development and implementation of policy and care solutions.
- Participate in global, national and local public health and awareness campaigns.
- Join community-based organizations and associations of people with dementia, their carers and families.
- Advocate for age- and dementia-friendly social and physical environments and programs.
- Participate in research.
I’m proud to say that I am taking concrete action in all seven of these important areas. I encourage you to do the same.
Download a PDF of the WHO information sheet for PLWD and their care partners here.
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My Alzheimer's Story 