Towards National Dementia Strategy: Lithuanian Experience and Development

Abstract

Introduction. The Glasgow Declaration 2014 called for the creation of a European Dementia Strategy and national strategies in every country in Europe. The WHO's Global action plan on the public health response to dementia 2017-2025 was adopted stating that 75% of Member States must develop a tailored response to dementia by 2025. In 2021, Association “Dementia Lithuania” began a project "Towards a Dementia Strategy: Situation Analysis and Public Awareness"*, with one of the objectives being to produce recommendations for a national dementia strategy in Lithuania. Methods. The project applies qualitative, quantitative and creative research methods aiming to: 1) evaluate legal bases, related to dementia; 2) assess the services for persons with dementia, their caregivers; 3) assess the epidemiological situation; 4) map the institutions related to the dementia services; 5) develop recommendations for the national dementia strategy and 6) raise awareness of the society towards dementia. Results. Evaluation of legal documents, service provision and current practices was performed. The association “Dementia Lithuania” was founded advocating persons with dementia and their caregivers. In 2021 the association launched multifaceted World Alzheimer Month programme, which preceded by ongoing events, seminars and meetings, aiming to disseminate care related knowledge and reduce dementia related stigma; in 2022 piloted carer support group programme; implemented dementia risk factors awareness campaign. Advocacy in dementia led to founding cross-disciplinary and cross-sectorial dementia working group by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania in 2022. Key conclusions: The project activities campaign the awareness on dementia and contributes to the development of national dementia strategy in Lithuania.