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THE ROLE OF ALZHEIMER ASSOCIATIONS IN CAMPAIGNING FOR CHANGE Marc Wortmann Alzheimer’s Disease International Overview • • • • • • • What is ADI Global impact of dementia ADI advocacy campaign The work of Alzheimer associations Policy initiatives Look into the future ADI World Report What is Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI)? • The international federation of 71 Alzheimer associations around the world; • Members are national associations; • Network to share information, resources and skills; • ADI was founded in 1984 and is in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO) since 1996 • Achieves its goals by member support, coordinating World Alzheimer’s Day, annual conference, research, advocacy Global Impact • Prevalence: currently over 30 million (Ferri 2005, ADI 2008) • Global cost $ 315 billion (Wimo et al, 2007) • Social: impact on family lives • Public health impact: many do not receive diagnosis to ensure better quality of life • Equity: many people don’t have access to primary health care, especially in developing countries • Very little public funds spent on dementia research, compared to other diseases with same impact ADI Advocacy Campaign • ADI Strategic Plan: Influencing Policy Makers • Advocacy is most effective when done by patient & family organisations • Campaign towards World Health Organization (WHO) started 2008 • ADI visited five out of six WHO regional committee meetings, including Europe and Middle East and North Africa and did a statement at every meeting • 2009: Last week World Health Assembly event Advocacy campaign (2) • 21 September 2008: launch of the Global Alzheimer’s Disease Charter and special website www.globalcharter.org • One page document with patient rights and call to action • Petition can be signed online; we aim at 10,000 signatures by 21-9-2009 Now around 4,300 – SIGN TODAY • 21 September this year: World Report The Work of Alzheimer associations Depends on stage: Emerging associations Developed associations Emerging Associations • Raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias • Provide information • Support people with the disease and their families • Build their own capacity: – Recruit volunteers – Fundraising – Governance Developed Associations • Raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias • Provide information • Support people with the disease and their families • Develop other services • Stimulate research • Influence policy makers & campaign for change in more and more countries • The role of a strong association is vital Policy examples • • • • • • Australia Asia Pacific France, UK Korea India Taiwan Policy examples • Alzheimer’s Australia campaigned successfully to make dementia a national health priority • This happened in 2004 • $ 230 mln extra for dementia care and research • New commitment for the future Policy examples - 2 • 2006 ADI Asia-Pacific report ‘The Epidemic is Here’ • Country date from the whole region • In most countries dementia still seen as a normal part of ageing • First opportunity for many associations to meet Health Minister Policy examples - 3 • France: initiative from president Sarkozy for a French plan with € 1.6 bln for 2008-2012 • 44 measures in all areas, for instance Memory Clinics, case managers, training for carers and health professionals, new technology and more research funding • UK National Dementia Strategy 2009 • Main aims are: • • • • Improving awareness Early and better diagnosis Improved quality of care Delivering the strategy Policy examples - 4 • South Korea: Long term care insurance and WAR on dementia; increase quality of life; stimulate early diagnosis; improve services; support caregivers • India: regional meetings organised by ARDSI • Taiwan: use Asia-Pacific conference in 2008 for agenda-setting; TADA president now chairing the committee Look into the future • A national action plan in every country? • Support from ADI and Alzheimer Europe • World Alzheimer Report to be launched at 21 September 2009 as a tool for associations World Alzheimer Report • Overview where we are • Relevant data: prevalence, mortality, burden of disease • Good examples from pioneer countries • Long term impact of dementia on patients and their families • Ideal model and stepped approach • Needs to be relevant for low, medium and high income countries Ideal model for dementia services Stepped approach to dementia service development Link with WHO • Dementia movement is seeking the help of World Health Organization • New Mental Health GAP programme will be implemented from 2010 on • Dementia one of the priorities • Link with cancer 30 years ago and HIV/AIDS 15 years ago • Dementia will be the main health challenge of 21st century! ADI conference 10-13 March 2010