National committee for work related to dementia launched

A national committee for work related to dementia has been launched by Parliamentary Secretary for Persons with a Disability Anthony Agius Decelis.

“Because of these challenges which dementia brings about, there is need for a substantial investment not only in infrastructure but also in human resources,” Decelis said, according to a government press release.

The aim of the Committee is to bring professionals in the field to ensure that the actions mentioned in the strategy are successfully achieved and needs of the individuals living with dementia, as well as those providing the care and their families, are met, the press release said.

Professor Charles Scerri is presiding over the committee said that, around the world, a case of dementia is reported every three seconds. It is estimated that by 2050, 3.3 per cent of the Maltese population will have dementia, he said.

Scerri explained that the committee is planning to work on six types of interventions including increase in knowledge about dementia, prompt diagnosis, exercises, cure and management, as well as an ethical approach and research in order to be prepared for the future.

One of the initiatives implemented within the National Strategy for Dementia which was launched in 2015 was the creation of a Multi-Disciplinary Dementia Intervention Team to assist individuals with dementia within communities. Another initiative was the opening of a dementia centre in Ghajnsielem, Gozo.