China grapples with dementia care as country rapidly ages
- Health authorities seek to raise awareness and train carers for patients in three-year campaign
- Dementia is more prevalent in China than on average around the world – and the problem is only expected to grow
In a notice to local health authorities this week, the National Health Commission said the campaign had three goals: raising social awareness about dementia, better identification of patients, and training for carers.
It said local governments “with enough resources” should offer annual screening tests for cognitive impairment to people aged at least 65 years.
Intervention and guidance should be given to those who show early signs of cognitive decline, and treatment offered to those diagnosed with the condition.
It also orders local health authorities to train carers and staff for “memory clinics”, government facilities set up in recent years to help dementia patients. Other social welfare organisations should provide rehabilitation, care and emotional support for patients, the commission said.
The notice said health authorities should also explore ways to set up support networks of grass-roots Communist Party committees, clinics and volunteers.
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