A public consultation has been launched on a draft National Dementia Strategy.

The consultation document, written by Charles Scerri, was launched this morning by Parliamentary Secretary Franco Mercieca.

Dr Mercieca said a first draft was written by Dr Scerri in 2010 but then shelved by the former government. It has not been updated by Dr Scerri himself.

He said the focus of the strategy is about raising awareness and understanding among healthcare professionals and the public in general. This would also help in timely diagnosis of dementia by early recognition of the symptoms.

The strategy also lays emphasis on better training for carers in the community and care homes.

Dr Mercieca said that as far as possible, dementia sufferers should continue to live within their families and communities, but their surroundings have to be modified accordingly, such as by having colour-coding, signage, and safety measures.

He said the governemnt was planning to appoint an intervention team made up of a number of professionals who would visit patients in the community and advise carers on how to cater for patients.

There were 5,200 people with dementia in 2010. The figure is expected to mushroom to 10,000 in 2030 and 14,000 by 2060.

The document can be accessed on www.activeageing.gov.mt

Feedback can be submitted up to the end of may on dementia.mfss@gov.mt

During the press conference Dr Mercieca did not reply to questions about whether he would return resign and return to his profession.