Netherlands

Dutch National Dementia Plan 2021-2030

Background

The Dutch Government has published a new National Dementia Strategy 2021-2030, outlining its future priorities in relation to dementia policy in the country. 

This work builds on the Dementia DeltaPlan, which ran between 2013 and 2020, focused on three key strands of work:

  1. Facilitating research to prevent or cure dementia
  2. Care enhancement
  3. Creating a dementia friendly society.

Outline of strategy

Continuing along the themes outlined in the previous strategy, the Dutch National Dementia Strategy (2021-20130) sets out its mission as:

Persons with dementia and their loved ones can continue to function as valuable members of society and receive appropriate support and care. Sufficient scientific research is carried out into the possibilities for preventing, treating, and curing dementia.

Similar to the DeltaPlan, three key areas of focus are identified:

  • A world without dementia – focusing on dementia research.
  • Persons with dementia matter – focusing on reducing stigma and prejudice.
  • Tailor-made support when living with dementia – focusing on improving supports and services.

Each of the themes provides an analysis of the challenged faced, what the strategy aims to do and how it intends to meet the aim. 

In addition to these overarching themes, the strategy also identifies four underlying areas which are key to ensuring the success of the strategy. These include:

  • Innovation – focusing on the use of both technological and non-technological developments
  • Young person with dementia – focusing on the specific needs of this population
  • International – focusing on collaborations in relation to dementia research
  • Communication – focusing on sharing the knowledge and experiences acquired from the work of the strategy.

Further information

Further information on developments related to dementia policy and implementation of the strategy can be found at: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/dementie

You can download the strategy (in English or Chinese) below.