What is the Dutch dementia strategy?

With over 280,000 people in the Netherlands living with dementia and cases projected to double by 2040, the government initiated the National Dementia Strategy 2021-2030. This comprehensive plan outlines a multi-pronged approach to tackle the growing challenge head-on, building on earlier initiatives to improve care and societal integration.

Quick Summary

The Dutch dementia strategy is a national plan focused on advancing research for prevention and cure, ensuring social inclusion for those living with dementia, and providing personalized, high-quality care and support.

Key Points

• Three-Pillar Approach: The strategy is built on three core themes: a world without dementia (research), valuing persons with dementia (social inclusion), and providing tailor-made support (care).

• Innovation in Care: The strategy emphasizes innovative methods, including both technology and non-technological developments like the famous Hogeweyk dementia village.

• Increased Research Investment: A key part of the strategy involves doubling the national research budget to find better treatments, prevention methods, and a potential cure for dementia.

• Person-Centered Focus: The approach prioritizes maintaining the autonomy and dignity of individuals with dementia, enabling them to participate in society according to their abilities and wishes.

• Stronger Local Networks: The plan strengthens regional dementia care networks and organizes support at a neighborhood level to provide timely, person-centered support.

• Social Inclusion: Initiatives are in place to make society more dementia-friendly by training professionals and promoting volunteering opportunities for people with dementia.

A National Approach to Dementia Care

The Netherlands has a history of innovative dementia care. The current National Dementia Strategy 2021-2030 continues this commitment, following the Dementia DeltaPlan (2013-2020). The strategy aims to help people with dementia and their families live as valuable community members with appropriate support and care, supported by research. It moves beyond clinical management towards a holistic societal response.

The Three Core Pillars of the Strategy

The 2021-2030 strategy is based on three main, interconnected themes:

1. A world without dementia: Focuses on intensifying research to prevent, treat, and cure dementia. The government has increased the research budget to support groundbreaking work by leading institutions.
2. Persons with dementia matter: Aims to reduce stigma and increase public understanding. This pillar promotes social inclusion, ensuring people with dementia are involved in meaningful activities and training professionals to be dementia-friendly.
3. Tailor-made support when living with dementia: Builds on previous programs to improve support and care. It emphasizes person-centered, efficient, and proactive care, often organized regionally to be customized to individual needs and promote independent living.

Overarching Themes for Success

Four cross-cutting themes support the strategy's implementation:

• Innovation: Encouraging technological and non-technological innovations in research and social participation.
• Young persons with dementia: Addressing the unique needs of younger individuals with dementia.
• International collaboration: Sharing knowledge with other countries.
• Communication: Informing the public and professionals about dementia and risk reduction.

A Comparison of Dementia Strategies

The 2021-2030 strategy evolves from the earlier DeltaPlan (2013-2020).

Feature	Dementia DeltaPlan (2013-2020)	National Dementia Strategy (2021-2030)
Core Themes	Research, Care Enhancement, Dementia-Friendly Society	World Without Dementia (Research), Persons Matter (Social Inclusion), Tailor-Made Support (Care)
Research Focus	Investment in scientific research, e-health, national registry	Intensified funding, focus on prevention, treatment, and cure, through collaborative consortia
Care Model	General care enhancement programs	Emphasizes person-centered care, regional networks, and innovation
Social Aspect	Creating a dementia-friendly society	Promoting meaningful activities and volunteer work, reducing stigma
Implementation	Public/private partnership	Stronger collaboration across government levels and with private sector

The Role of Innovative Care Models

The Dutch approach is known for innovative, person-centered care, such as the Hogeweyk dementia village. Hogeweyk is a care facility designed like a normal village where residents live in small households and can engage in daily life activities under discreet supervision. This model focuses on normalcy and social engagement, improving residents' well-being and health. The Dutch strategy supports such innovations, incorporating new developments to create care environments adapted to the needs of people with dementia.

Challenges and the Future Outlook

The strategy faces challenges like the projected rise in cases and healthcare costs. Its success depends on collaboration, investment, and adaptation. Innovation and research are key to addressing long-term issues. The goal is for people with dementia to live with dignity and participate in society, receiving the best possible support. The Dutch approach offers a model for other countries facing similar demographic changes.

For more information on national dementia strategies, visit the Alzheimer Europe website.

Conclusion

The Dutch dementia strategy is a holistic national plan centered on three themes: advancing research, fostering social inclusion, and providing personalized care. The 2021-2030 strategy builds on past efforts, emphasizing innovation, addressing young-onset dementia, and promoting international cooperation. Its strength is its collaborative approach that recognizes the individual, supported by innovative care like the Hogeweyk village. The Dutch model provides valuable lessons on humanizing dementia care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dutch dementia strategy 2021-2030?

It is the Netherlands' national plan to address the growing challenge of dementia. The strategy focuses on research, social inclusion, and tailor-made care, building upon previous national efforts.

How does the Dutch strategy promote social inclusion for people with dementia?

The strategy works to reduce stigma and prejudice by increasing public awareness. Initiatives include training professionals like taxi drivers and promoting volunteer work for individuals with dementia to keep them engaged in society.

What is the Hogeweyk dementia village and how does it relate to the Dutch dementia strategy?

Hogeweyk is an innovative Dutch care facility designed as a village where residents with severe dementia live in familiar, safe, and social environments. It exemplifies the person-centered care and innovation themes within the broader national strategy.

Does the Dutch dementia strategy involve a focus on research?

Yes, research is a major pillar. The strategy includes intensified funding for scientific research to find effective treatments, methods for prevention, and a cure for dementia.

How does the Netherlands ensure tailor-made support for people with dementia?

The strategy strengthens regional dementia care networks and organizes support at the neighborhood level. The care standard is designed to be person-centered, proactive, and efficient, ensuring personalized support.

What happens in the Netherlands if a person with dementia is younger?

The strategy specifically addresses the unique needs of younger persons with dementia. This group may have different forms of dementia and different needs regarding family and career, which are factored into care planning.

How does the Dutch dementia strategy prepare for the future?

By focusing on innovation, increasing research budgets, and fostering international collaboration, the strategy aims to stay ahead of the rising number of dementia cases and associated healthcare costs, ensuring sustainable and high-quality care.