ADI, GADAA and Alzheimer's Pakistan launch report on Dementia in Humanitarian SettingsForgotten in a crisis: Addressing dementia in humanitarian response, published yesterday by the Global Alzheimer's and Dementia Action Alliance (GADAA) with ADI and Alzheimer's Pakistan, has revealed that people with dementia are being ignored in times of humanitarian crisis.
This report contributes to a growing awareness of the need to address disability in humanitarian settings and is the first report to specifically highlight dementia.
While there are guidelines in place to mandate inclusive support for people at-risk, they are rarely being implemented and do not currently go far enough to meet the specific needs of people with dementia, according to the report.
Paola Barbarino, CEO of Alzheimer's Disease International, said:
"There are 50 million people living with dementia globally, 60 per cent in low and middle income countries where diagnosis is low and humanitarian emergencies are widespread. These people are currently ignored in emergency response planning. We are calling on all agencies to increase awareness and to adapt strategies, to better recognise the needs of this often hidden group."
Dementia Alliance International was pleased to contribute a small part to this very important report.