The Memory Barometer survey, conducted by the Alzheimer Society of Finland (Muistiliitto), gathered responses from nearly 2,400 people with dementia and their caregivers across Finland. The findings reveal significant caregiver exhaustion, regional disparities in dementia services, and the importance of non-profit support. The majority (84%) of caregivers reported feeling down and depressed in the past months. Open-ended responses highlighted fatigue, anxiety, stress, and constant worry about their loved ones. Caregivers struggle with the demands of care, which are exacerbated by budget cuts in social and healthcare services. Since current policies encourage people with dementia to remain at home as long as possible, more support for caregivers is urgently needed.
The survey found significant disparities in access to dementia-related information, diagnostic evaluations, and care services across different regions of Finland. More than 40% of respondents felt that these services were only moderately, poorly, or very poorly available. As 23,000 people are diagnosed with dementia annually, demand for services is increasing. Early diagnosis and timely services help maintain functional ability and extend the time people can live at home, making investment in dementia care a financially responsible choice for regional healthcare providers. The Memory Pilot (Muistiluotsi) programme, run by the Alzheimer Society of Finland, plays a crucial role in supporting people with dementia and their caregivers. Survey participants reported that the programme improved their well-being, lifted their spirits, and helped them cope with daily life.
90% of respondents found peer support meaningful, and those involved in Memory Pilot activities reported less loneliness and depression than other respondents. Despite the increasing reliance on non-profit organisations for support, government funding for social and healthcare organisations is set to be cut by one-third between 2025 and 2027. These cuts contradict the growing need for affordable, community-based dementia care solutions. The Memory Barometer survey highlights the urgent need for better caregiver support, equal access to dementia services, and sustained funding for non-profit programmes to ensure the well-being of both people with dementia and their loved ones.