On 29 June 2021, the Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE) Rostock/Greifswald in cooperation with the Robert Bosch Stiftung (RBS) held its "Dementia Day and Launch Event ‘EU-Atlas: Dementia & Migration'". An opening statement by Dr B. Klapper (RBS) was followed by a detailed presentation by the ‘EU-Atlas’-team (in cooperation between DZNE Rostock/Greifswald & the Institute for Community Medicine Greifswald, funded by RBS). Researchers from the ‘EU-Atlas’ project presented the atlas and highlighted selected results. Estimations about the number of people with a migration background with dementia were presented as well as analyses of national dementia plans, dementia care guidelines, healthcare systems and services for all EU, EFTA (European Free Trade Association), and UK countries.
Dianne Gove (Alzheimer Europe) followed with a presentation about the work on intercultural care that was carried out by an expert group of Alzheimer Europe and funded by RBS. This included:
a) a report on intercultural care and support, aiming at improving the situation of people with dementia, their carers and professional carers from minority ethnic backgrounds;
b) a policy statement, containing extensive recommendations for governments;
c) a database of initiatives for intercultural care and support for people with dementia that aimed at identifying and sharing tried and tested initiatives and materials;
d) a guide/handbook for social care workers on providing dementia care, that corresponds to the needs of people from ethnic groups.
The event was completed with a lively panel discussion. Participants from different fields discussed the findings, shared their expert experiences and what is needed to facilitate culturally sensitive care. Güleç Isik-Dirim (Netherlands) contributed her experience as a family caregiver of persons with dementia from ethnic minorities. Mohammed A. Rauf (UK) reported from his work on a community level. Rune Nielsen (Denmark) and Sahdia Parveen (UK) shared their insights as researchers and Sirpa Pietikäinen, MEP (Finland) reported from a policy perspective. Comprehensive evidence, expertise and the discussion highlighted an urgent need for action on different levels, especially research, policy, and healthcare.
The stream of this event can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhi26OxNJGw
The online-version of the atlas is available at: https://www.dzne.de/europa-atlas/
Pictured: The 'EU-Atlas'-team (from left to right): Tim Schmachtenberg, Dr. J. René Thyrian, Maria Isabel Cardona, Jessica Monsees.
