KRAKOW: Royals from around the world are set to convene at the Alzheimer’s disease International Global Conference in Kraków, Poland, from April 24-26, marking a significant moment in the fight against dementia.
Notable attendees include Her Majesty Queen Sofía of Spain and Her Royal Highness Princess Muna Al Hussein of Jordan, whose presence underscores the critical importance of addressing key challenges in dementia care and research.
The conference comes at a pivotal time, with 141 dementia drugs currently in clinical trials. Amid this progress, concerns persist over low rates of dementia diagnoses, with up to three quarters of cases going undetected, potentially limiting access to future treatments. Additionally, post-diagnosis care remains inadequate, with up to 85 per cent of individuals not receiving necessary support.
Her Majesty Queen Sofía, a longstanding advocate for Alzheimer’s and dementia issues, emphasises the need for a concerted global response. As an Honorary Ambassador for Alzheimer’s disease International since 2018, her commitment to raising awareness and fostering innovation is unwavering.
Joining her is Her Royal Highness Princess Muna Al Hussein, a distinguished figure in global health advocacy. With a focus on addressing the impact of dementia, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, Princess Muna highlights the urgent need for collective action.
Despite progress, misconceptions about dementia persist.
Research shows that a significant portion of healthcare providers and the general public still misunderstand the condition, perpetuating stigma and hindering effective care. The conference aims to challenge these attitudes and foster a more supportive environment for those affected by dementia.
Emily Ong, a person living with dementia and Co-Founder of Dementia Alliance International Environmental Design Special Interest Group, underscores the importance of addressing personal experiences in dementia care. Her struggles with diagnosis and post-diagnosis support highlight the need for comprehensive solutions that prioritise the perspectives of individuals living with dementia.
With over 55 million people currently living with dementia worldwide, the need for action is clear.
The conference serves as a platform to address key statistics and challenges facing global efforts to combat dementia, urging governments and healthcare organisations to prioritise dementia care and research initiatives.
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