IDC24: Dementia in the Commonwealth Report

The Commonwealth Association for the Ageing (CommonAge) has released what is believed to be the first report to addresses the state of dementia, care and support across the Commonwealth specifically, launching the paper on Friday afternoon at the International Dementia Conference 2024.

The Dementia in the Commonwealth Report highlights disparities and challenges, best practices, and the urgent improvements needed to support those affected by dementia in all Commonwealth countries.

Australian not-for-profit health service and aged care provider HammondCare was one of three report sponsors, along with Age International and UK Research and Innovation.

Angela Raguz, general manager of HammondCare's The Dementia Centre, said Commonwealth nations need to plan for dementia care services based on evidence and practice experience.

“As the Commonwealth turns 75 years of age, this report challenges us to consider the realities for
its citizens in their 70s with dementia. I am looking forward to the opportunities for The Dementia
Centre to collaborate with the many contributors to this report across the Commonwealth," Ms Raguz said.

“The international work of The Dementia Centre has shown that issues such as poor care-home
design, lack of staff training, and fundamental pain management are just some of the issues that
need to be addressed."

Established in 2013, the work of CommonAge centres on working towards an all-age friendly Commonwealth. Previous CommonAge projects include research into ageism and the lasting effects of the Covid pandemic on older people.

Dr Emma Hodges, report project manager, chief editor and author, said the report is an essential resource for everyone who wants to find out what they can do for themselves and their community.

"There is a new case of dementia somewhere in the world every three seconds and there are currently estimated to be over 55 million people worldwide living with dementia, but it is difficult to measure the number in the Commonwealth due to the many challenges in getting a diagnosis," she said.

“It is recognised that there are many competing priorities for governments, particularly for low and-
middle-income countries, including water/sanitation, food distribution, climate change and
education. However, this report is a call to action for all stakeholders across the Commonwealth to
come together and address the growing impact of dementia."

The Commonwealth represents 2.5 billion people across 56 countries, making up over a third of the global population and encompassing some of the world's richest and poorest nations.

“Alzheimer’s Disease International estimates by 2050, there will be 139 million people living with
dementia, with the greatest increases in low- and middle-income countries."

Key findings include:

• 59 per cent (33) of Commonwealth nations do not yet have a National Dementia Plan (NDP) or strategy in place.
• Only 11 per cent (6) of Commonwealth nations have a NDP in place.
• 19 per cent (10) of Commonwealth nations are in the process of developing a NDP.
• Shared challenges across the Commonwealth include the need to deal with the inequities in access to support, the workforce shortage and a requirement for a funding strategy.
• Communities and civil society are mobilising to create greater awareness and dementia friendly spaces to reduce isolation and discrimination.
• Health and care professionals are working in partnership with other key stakeholders to find new ways of providing culturally appropriate care and support.
• Entrepreneurs from private and social sectors, and committed enterprising individuals are also seeking solutions across key areas such as housing, residential care and technology.

“Despite the challenges, there are amazing examples of activities led by civil society and healthcare
teams from across the Commonwealth highlighted in the report that demonstrate that by coming
together and sharing knowledge and best practices, culturally appropriate solutions that enhance
the quality of life for individuals living with dementia and their carers are possible for everyone," Dr Hodges said.

“We are exceedingly grateful to partners, sponsors and collaborators for their generous support in this publication.

“Together, we can work towards a future where individuals living with dementia receive the care,
respect, and support they deserve.”

Download a copy of the report here.

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