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Barriers to Dementia Care Services in Europe: Key Insights and Ways Forward

Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, is a significant public health challenge in Europe, with nearly 14 million people currently affected. Despite available healthcare and social care services, utilisation of these services by people living with dementia remains suboptimal due to various barriers. Our recent systematic review published in BMC Geriatrics provides critical insights into these challenges, highlighting barriers across informational, organisational, cultural, stigma-related, financial, and logistical domains.

Informational and Educational Barriers

A lack of awareness and insufficient knowledge among caregivers and healthcare professionals stands out as a key barrier. Inadequate dissemination of dementia-related information contributes to difficulties in planning and accessing appropriate care. Enhancing educational resources and improving health literacy among caregivers and healthcare workers are essential for overcoming these challenges.

Organisational Barriers

Fragmented services and poor coordination among healthcare providers frequently hinder effective dementia care. Issues such as inconsistent care strategies, unclear roles, and insufficient resources exacerbate the difficulties faced by families and professionals alike. The Covid-19 pandemic has further intensified these problems, highlighting the urgency for integrated, person-centred care systems.

Cultural and Stigma-related Challenges

Societal stigma and cultural misunderstandings significantly impact dementia care, deterring individuals from seeking necessary help. Cultural sensitivity, improved community education, and targeted interventions can mitigate stigma-related issues, promoting better acceptance and utilization of dementia services.

Financial and Logistical Challenges

The economic burden of dementia care often strains family resources, compounded by complex administrative procedures and insufficient public funding. Additionally, logistical issues, including long waiting lists, transportation problems, and limited service availability, particularly in rural areas, create further barriers.

Policy Recommendations

To address these challenges, tailored, context-specific policies and integrated care pathways are necessary. European initiatives, such as Alzheimer Europe’s Strategic Plan and the Glasgow Declaration, underline the importance of inclusive strategies and active involvement of people with dementia in policy-making processes.

By addressing these identified barriers through coordinated actions, Europe can improve access to dementia care, enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with dementia and also for their caregivers.

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