During the World Health Assembly (WHA), Non-State Actors in official relations with WHO, including ADI, can submit statements relating to agenda items.
Although dementia is not specifically on the WHA agenda this year, ADI has elected to submit a statement to agenda item 17, WHO’s work in health emergencies and strengthening preparedness for health emergencies, with a particular focus on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
While the World Health Assembly takes place between 24 May-2 June, ADI will continue to highlight the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on those living with dementia and their carers, and for it to be recognised and acted upon by Member States, ensuring that older people and those living with dementia are at the forefront of recovery and future preparedness plans.
Read the full statement below:
“Older people, including those living with dementia, have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Emerging mortality data underlines the urgency for the protection and prioritisation of people with dementia. In Canada, of all COVID-19 deaths in 2020, dementia or Alzheimer’s was reported on 36 per cent of death certificates; in Australia dementia constituted 41% of all COVID-19 deaths; 26% in the UK; and 20% in regions of Italy. Many governments are still to publish their data, and, more worryingly, many are not capturing this data at all.”
“The pandemic has resulted in major disruption to the dementia diagnosis pathway and to the provision of care and support. Restrictions have also had a negative impact on cognitive decline, with additional challenges and pressures for people living with dementia, and their carers, due to the nature of the condition. Delaying diagnosis reduces care and treatment options, especially in the mid to late stages.”
Emerging research is also showing the increased risks of long-COVID, which we fear will have a major impact on future prevalence and the earlier onset of dementia symptoms. This is particularly poignant, in the continued absence of any disease modifying treatment and with pre-pandemic forecasts for dementia already showing a tripling of cases from 50 million today, to 152 million by 2050.
“We call on Member States to urgently recognise and respond to the particular and disproportionate impact this pandemic is having on older people and people living with dementia, to work closely with NGOs, including ADI and its global network to ensure that these two constituencies are at the forefront of future preparedness plans and to build resilience.”
