PARIS, 01 March. - (ANA) - Despite almost 80% of OECD countries having dementia strategies in place, progress in diagnosis and treatment in the last decade has been slow.

 

Diagnosis remains difficult due to limited time and knowledge among GPs, bottlenecks in diagnostic technology and access to specialists. Once diagnosed there are few treatment options, with available medications only able to manage symptoms rather than treat the disease itself. However, countries are providing advice on the potential of other therapies, such as cognitive stimulation therapy, to improve quality of life and treatment outcomes.

 

Across the OECD, on average, 61 people per 1 000 population aged 65 and over were estimated to be living with dementia in 2023. This policy review provides an overview of the most recent dementia policies across 29 OECD countries and changes in the past decade. 

 

The analysis suggests that national dementia policies increasingly emphasise prevention through modifiable risks, early diagnosis, and non-pharmaceutical treatment approaches. 

 

The paper summarises approaches towards improving awareness and limited efforts to improve diagnostics. Developments in managing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, along with related workforce training, are more prominent. 

 

Additionally, services and support for dementia caregivers and progress towards more coordinated and inclusive care pathways are present in most national strategies and plans. 

 

To download the full report, visit: https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2026/01/policies-for-people-with-dementia-across-oecd-countries_5d13347a/e41e6eaa-en.pdf       - (ANA) - 

 

AB/ANA/o1 March 2026 - - -