Dementia on the rise

Between two and five per cent of over 65-year-olds suffer from some form of dementia and the number doubles among those over 80, according to statistics.

Moreover, the number of sufferers is fast rising and is expected to continue increasing - to about 34 million worldwide by 2020 - due to the aging population. These points were highlighted yesterday by the Parliamentary Secretary for the Elderly and Community Care, Helen D'Amato, on the occasion of World Alzheimer's Day, which is marked today, and the launching of the Malta Dementia Society.

Statistics also reveal that about 18 million people worldwide are currently suffering from dementia - an illness that affects the quality of life of both the elderly and, particularly, their carers. In fact, the society should serve to help the latter even more than the patients themselves, Ms D'Amato said. It would help them understand and accept their patients' condition, which proves to be stressful and taxing.

"The need for a support group for those suffering from dementia and their carers has been felt for quite some time," she said, pledging the government's encouragement and backing for the initiative as well as its policy to safeguard the dignity of the elderly.

Ms D'Amato urged society to work closely with services that are already on offer at, for example, Zammit Clapp Hospital and St Vincent de Paul home for the elderly. She stressed the importance of coordination and a holistic approach towards the cause to avoid any wasting and duplication of limited resources.

Founded by Mark Xuereb, an Oxford-based neuropsychiatrist, who was in Malta for the launch, the MDS steering committee, which was presented yesterday, is composed of a number of persons who are highly motivated in the field. The MDS has already received an overwhelming response from prospective members, Dr Xuereb said.

The philanthropic organisation aims to help promote the patients' rights and safeguard their dignity; offer advice and support to patients, carers and their families; encourage an inter-disciplinary and holistic approach to dementia; raise public awareness on the various dementias; provide training to carers and health workers; foster research on dementia; share expertise and interact with local and foreign associations; help influence public policy issues and establish self-help groups.

Speaking at the launch at Casa Antonia Retirement Village, in Balzan, Dr Xuereb pushed for the setting up of a community-based service, as was the case in the UK, where the elderly were able to continue living in their homes and retain their quality of life.

maltademetiasociety@gov.mt