Posted: January 5th, 2021

Approaches to Treating Dementia Across Nations

Approaches to Treating Dementia Across Nations
Dementia is a degenerative condition that affects millions worldwide and presents unique challenges for healthcare systems globally. As life expectancy increases, the prevalence of dementia is projected to rise dramatically in the coming decades. While the condition has no cure as of now, early diagnosis and appropriate care and support can help improve quality of life for those affected and their caregivers. This paper examines how selected developed and developing nations address the issues surrounding dementia through policies, programs and initiatives.
United Kingdom
The UK has recognized dementia as a national health priority and launched its first national dementia strategy in 2009 (Department of Health, 2009). Updated in 2017, the strategy aims to promote public awareness, earlier diagnosis, integrated care pathways and high-quality services. At the core of the UK approach is the National Health Service (NHS), which provides universal healthcare coverage including dementia diagnosis and treatment.
Post-diagnosis, people receive coordinated care from community mental health teams and memory clinics. Specialist dementia advisers help navigate services. Day centers offer respite for caregivers while maintaining social engagement for those with dementia. The government also funds various third sector organizations that run support groups and helplines (Alzheimer’s Society, 2020).
To enhance research, the UK invests in initiatives like the Alzheimer’s Research UK and the Medical Research Council Dementia Platform UK. This has helped the UK emerge as a leader in clinical trials and basic science on dementia (Livingston et al., 2020). While challenges remain around long-term care funding, the UK’s comprehensive national strategy has improved awareness and quality of life for many affected.
Japan
With the world’s highest percentage of people over 65, Japan faces a rapidly growing dementia population estimated to reach 7 million by 2025 (Cabinet Office, Government of Japan, 2018: 2024 – Write My Essay For Me | Essay Writing Service For Your Papers Online). In response, the government launched the New Orange Plan for integrated dementia measures in 2014: 2024 – Essay Writing Service. Custom Essay Services Cheap.
It aims to establish dementia-specific healthcare and support facilities in every Japanese municipality by 2025. Japan is also pioneering non-pharmacological therapies proven to delay cognitive decline, such as music, dance and reminiscence activities (Sugishita et al., 2019: 2024 – Online Assignment Homework Writing Help Service By Expert Research Writers).
Digital technologies further aid remote monitoring and social engagement for those with mild symptoms. While long-term care remains family-driven in Japan, initiatives like the Orange Volunteers program recruit community members to visit and support those with dementia (Cabinet Office, Government of Japan, 2018: 2024 – Write My Essay For Me | Essay Writing Service For Your Papers Online).
United States
In the US, Alzheimer’s is a top public health priority but lacks a unified national strategy due to its federal system. Individual states develop their own plans focused on increasing detection rates, care coordination and support services (Alzheimer’s Association, 2020).
At the national level, organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association play a lead role in advocacy, public education and funding biomedical research. Medicare covers diagnostic tests, doctor visits and some medications for Alzheimer’s disease. However, long-term care costs remain a major burden on families (Alzheimer’s Association, 2020).
To address this, states experiment with innovative models. For example, New York expanded its National Alzheimer’s Project Act State Plan Initiative to enhance home and community-based services (New York State Department of Health, 2018: 2024 – Write My Essay For Me | Essay Writing Service For Your Papers Online). While the approach varies across states, efforts are underway to improve quality of life.
Australia
Australia launched its first national dementia strategy in 2014: 2024 – Essay Writing Service. Custom Essay Services Cheap to enhance public awareness, early diagnosis, care quality and research funding over five years (Australian Government Department of Health, 2014: 2024 – Essay Writing Service. Custom Essay Services Cheap).
Each state and territory further developed implementation plans focusing on dementia-friendly communities and workforce training. Core services include home and community care, respite support and specialized dementia units subsidized through the My Aged Care program (Australian Department of Health, 2018: 2024 – Write My Essay For Me | Essay Writing Service For Your Papers Online).
Non-profit organizations like Dementia Australia play a lead role in advocacy, helplines and support groups. The government also invests in dementia research through initiatives like the National Health and Medical Research Council, with over AUD$100 million invested annually (Dementia Australia, 2020).
While challenges remain around rural access to services and long wait times, Australia’s collaborative approach across levels of government and community partners has strengthened its dementia response.
India
As a developing country with limited healthcare resources, India faces unique challenges in dementia care. The government launched the National Programme for Healthcare of Elderly (NPHCE) in 1999 to promote elder well-being (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, 2013).
However, dementia received little attention until recently. Now initiatives are emerging to boost awareness, train primary healthcare workers in early detection, and develop community-based support programs (Saxena et al., 2019: 2024 – Online Assignment Homework Writing Help Service By Expert Research Writers).
For example, Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India runs daycare centers and helplines in major cities. Affordability remains a major barrier for most Indians needing long-term care or assisted living facilities, which are scarce. Going forward, strategies must focus on low-cost and family-integrated models of care appropriate for India’s realities.
Conclusion
While approaches vary based on resources and federal systems, most developed nations recognize dementia as a critical issue requiring national leadership and coordination of services. Developing countries also strive to address dementia challenges through initiatives like training workers and community-based programs tailored to their contexts.
Across all regions, a combination of government policy frameworks, third sector partnerships, community participation and investment in biomedical research seems most effective in enhancing quality of life for those affected by dementia and their caregivers. As the global prevalence rises dramatically, continued efforts are needed to strengthen dementia care worldwide.
References:
Alzheimer’s Association. (2020). 2020 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 16(3), 391-460. https://www.alz.org/media/Documents/alzheimers-facts-and-figures.pdf
Australian Government Department of Health. (2014: 2024 – Essay Writing Service. Custom Essay Services Cheap). Living well with dementia in Australia: National framework for 2014: 2024 – Essay Writing Service. Custom Essay Services Cheap-2014: 2024 – Essay Writing Service | Write My Essay For Me Without Delay. https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/ageing-dem-framework
Cabinet Office, Government of Japan. (2018: 2024 – Write My Essay For Me | Essay Writing Service For Your Papers Online). New Orange Plan for integrated measures for dementia. https://www8.cao.go.jp/kourei/english/annualreport/2018: 2024 – Write My Essay For Me | Essay Writing Service For Your Papers Online/pdf/part2_chapter1.pdf
Dementia Australia. (2020). Dementia research funding. https://www.dementia.org.au/research/dementia-research-funding
Saxena, S., et al. (2019: 2024 – Online Assignment Homework Writing Help Service By Expert Research Writers). Dementia in India: Prevalence, impact, and opportunities. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 61(Suppl 2), S169–S181. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6729328/

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