Glasgow ‘one of best cities in world for dealing with dementia’
GLASGOW has been pinpointed as one of the best cities in the world for dealing with dementia, according to a study.
Scotland’s biggest city, which sees two people diagnosed with dementia every day, was ranked second out of 30 global cities for dementia innovation in the global report.
It highlighted Glasgow City Council’s dementia strategy published in 2016 and said it “offers a template for cities looking to improve early detection and diagnosis”. The initiative uncovered a number of priority areas to tackle, including reducing stigma, improving the physical environment, increasing social engagement and providing the resources for people with dementia to continue living in the community.
But the Dementia Innovation Readiness Index 2020, which was compiled by the Global Coalition On Aging, Alzheimer’s Disease International and the Lien Foundation, gave recognition to the city for “explicitly recognising” diagnosis of dementia as “critical”.
“Additionally, Glasgow’s plan argues that when people receive an early diagnosis of dementia and are met with information, support, and
are better supported in managing the condition throughout its progression,” the study said.
“To develop its plan, Glasgow solicited feedback from patients, carers, volunteers and healthcare providers to help craft a three-year dementia plan.”
Glasgow was ranked second in dementia innovation in the study, which examines the level to which each city is prepared to innovate in terms of novel approaches, systems or processes that would have an impact on the prevention, treatment or care of dementia. London topped the study.
The report examines 26 indicators across five categories – strategy/ commitment, early detection/diagnosis, access to care, community support and business environment.
The report found Glasgow scored well out of the 30 cities examined, with an overall mark of 7.8 out of 10.
It scored particularly highly in the areas of community support, and strategy and commitment.
Alzheimer’s Scotland chief executive Henry Simmons said Glasgow’s dementia initiative offered a template for cities looking to improve early detection and diagnosis.
“As part of its city plan, Glasgow explicitly recognises diagnosis of dementia as a critical point for providers, people living with dementia, and their loved ones, and that diagnosis is a key enabler of resources for disease management, treatment, and care,” he said. “That being said, no city is perfect and there’s always room for improvement.”
Glasgow, however, was in the bottom half in the area of providing incentives, policies and protections within the business environment, which Mr Simmons stressed should be a focus area for the city in future.
“Without the right incentives, policies and protections for businesses, cities are less likely to become hubs of innovation for the treatment, prevention and risk reduction, and care of dementia,” he said. “A favourable business environment is critical to catalysing dementia innovation.”
The number of people with dementia in Scotland was estimated to be around 90,000 in 2017.
ADI chief executive Paola Barbarino said local leadership would be critical in preparing for dementia.
“A willingness to act at a local leadership level has been clearly linked to a city’s preparedness and ability to innovate,” said Ms Barbarino. “To improve the lives of those with dementia, and their loved ones, the index calls on local, subnational and national governments to drive strong dementia policy and planning.”
Glasgow City Council’s strategy, when launched, aimed to set out good practices for those with the condition so they can live well in the community.
One of the main themes of the strategy was to encourage and develop “resilience” within communities so that the impact of dementia was recognised throughout all walks of life, whether that be a large organisation, a local service, a shop, a business, a neighbour or a friend.
Developed in association with
Alzheimer Scotland, the intention was to create the kind of capacity in the community that will enable people with dementia to enjoy the best quality of life possible, and to ensure they are treated with dignity and respect.
At the time of launch, around 4,500 people were known to be living in Glasgow with a diagnosis of dementia, although research suggested the true number was nearly double that.
GCOA executive director Michael Hodin said the report called on cities to rise to the challenge of dementia preparedness.
“The Index shows there’s a great opportunity to develop bespoke, innovative, dementia-care initiatives at a local level,” he added. “Beyond that, the Index also calls on governments, industry, NGOS, academics and other leaders to engage in high impact, action-oriented initiatives that drive collaboration at a global level.”
It comes as Alzheimer Scotland announced a new online support platform for patients and carers.
The Herald is campaigning for better care for people with dementia.
Glasgow explicitly recognises diagnosis of dementia as a critical point