Leaders in dementia care assess advances made and address remaining challenges

International experts in dementia care gathered on 5 February for a global dialogue as part of the dementia landscape project series. Chaired by Professor Brian Lawlor and Paul Hogan, the discussion included over 40 prominent figures from industry, academia and governments to reflect on the progress made in the area in recent years. The workshop also addressed the challenges ahead for the global community to accelerate progress in care for people living with dementia and their caregivers.

Professor Louise Robinson presented current thinking on models of care, with Professor Mary Sano offering insights into how new technologies are changing and advancing the delivery of care. This was followed by Dr Samir Sinha who shared examples of addressing caregiver burden in healthcare settings in Canada, as well as participants hearing from Professor Felicity Baker about music therapy as care. 

The global dialogues in the series are being held to help track progress made since the world’s first G8 dementia summit was held in 2013 in London. It was here that the international community of top scientists in the field, research funders, pharmaceutical companies and governments committed to accelerate the research agenda and deliver the first disease-modifying treatment by 2025 (a primary aim of the 2025 goals). 

Upcoming events will examine other key topics. A dialogue on prevention will be led by Professor Kaarin Anstey and Professor Philippe Amouyel on 9 February.