It is only through collaboration and coordinated global effort that the world can successfully face the challenges of dementia, Parliamentary Secretary for Persons with Disability and Active Ageing Anthony Agius Decelis said on Monday.

Speaking at a workshop on the implementation of the global action plan on the public health response to dementia in the World Health Organisation’s European and Eastern Mediterranean regions, Agius Decelis said that due to Malta’s ageing population it is expected that by 2050 almost 4% of the total population will be affected by dementia, putting an enormous challenge on the health and social care system.

He said there are similar patterns overseas with dementia due to the ageing population across the board, but noted that Malta is one of the countries committed to dealing with dementia.

He said that Malta fully recognises the importance of a national plan on dementia which has the overarching aim of enhancing the quality of life of those affected by dementia, along with the quality of life of their carers and their family members.

A fundamental aspect of this is increasing awareness and understanding in order to decrease the stigma and the misconceptions which surround dementia, he said.  He noted that a number of booklets have been published with the objective of changing the negative perceptions that surround dementia and that provide a guideline with regards to the support services available.  A 13-episode programme focusing on various aspects of dementia is also being aired on the national broadcaster, Agius Decelis said.

Giving an introduction to the contents of the two-day workshop, Khalid Saeed – the WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Officer – said that the workshop would focus on healthcare and how to create support structures for people, on what dementia friendly initiatives can be implemented in countries, and last but not least how research and evaluation can be done so to ascertain the situation and how effective certain measures are.

WHO’s European Regional Officer Dan Chisholm meanwhile said that the basic idea for this workshop is to share knowledge, develop networks of support between countries which can help those countries which are a bit further back in terms of innovation, policy, and services and opportunities offered.

He said that it is important for countries to be frank with each other where help is needed so that those places which do have a structure and knowledge for the appropriate response to dementia can provide the necessary support and advice.

The workshop will take place over the course of two days with the participation of multiple countries.  Various presentations focusing on matters such as the rationale for and the development of a dementia plan, providing support for dementia carers, and dementia risk reduction, awareness and friendliness measures.