World Dementia Council calls on world leaders to 'keep up pressure' in the fight against dementia – Alzheimer’s Society comment

The World Dementia Council (WDC) are also launching a report challenging the international community to accelerate progress toward the 2025 goals, outlining key areas which leaders need to now tackle to improve the lives of people affected by dementia.

The WDC have also announced a review into worldwide dementia friendly initiatives, to ensure they are meaningful and have real impact on people with dementia.

Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Society and Vice-Chair of the World Dementia Council, said:

'In the UK and elsewhere many communities and businesses have said they want to be dementia friendly, but little has been done to identify what that means and how to measure the impact on the lives of people affected by dementia.

'People with dementia have the right to live the life they want, free from stigma and misconceptions, yet sadly many people affected feel isolated and alone. There are over 400 Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friendly Communities in the UK alone making great strides in tackling stigma and enabling people with dementia to be included and involved in their community – but more needs to be done, at our doorstep and globally.

'We wholeheartedly welcome this new initiative by the World Dementia Council, which will further address this need on a global scale and ensure that the impact on people with dementia is at the heart of every society’s ambition to become dementia friendly.'