The public will be asked to help shape the future of support for
people with dementia and their families, as a new 10-year
strategy is published today.
The new Dementia Strategy builds on the achievements of Wales's
first Dementia Action Plan which has helped to improve services
and remove the stigma of living with dementia.
More than 400 people have already helped develop the priorities
in the new strategy. Now a consultation is being launched to
further refine the strategy.
It focuses on seven key areas:
- Reducing the risk of and preventing dementia.
- Raising awareness and understanding of dementia.
- Improving diagnosis, treatment and care.
- Supporting unpaid carers.
- Developing the workforce.
- Advancing research and innovation.
- Strengthening governance and accountability.
The strategy recognises that nearly half of dementia cases could
be prevented or delayed through lifestyle changes such as staying
physically active, maintaining social connections and managing
conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.
It also addresses the specific needs of Welsh speakers, British
Sign Language users and people from diverse communities, ensuring
care is culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate.
, Minister for Mental Health
and Wellbeing, said:
"We want Wales to be a nation where people living with dementia
are respected, supported and empowered to live independently and
with dignity in their communities.
“This consultation is an important step in developing a strategy
which truly reflects what matters to people affected by dementia.
“I encourage everyone with an interest to share their views and
help us create a Wales that is free from stigma, where everyone
understands dementia and contributes to a compassionate,
inclusive society."
The strategy is underpinned by key principles including
person-centred care, a rights-based approach and integrated
services across health and social care.
It is being co-produced with people who have lived experience of
dementia, healthcare professionals, carers and organisations
across Wales.
Gemma Roberts, the Alzheimer's Society's national
influencing manager for Wales, said:
“Dementia is the UK's biggest killer, but this consultation
could be a turning point for Wales.
“Alzheimer's Society is proud to have worked with the
Welsh Government on the priorities for this
consultation which, if
implemented, have the potential to transform the
lives of everyone affected by dementia in
Wales.
“This consultation is a huge step forward and we
are looking forward to continuing
to work with Welsh Government to develop the detail,
and ensure the strategy delivers real change over the next
10 years.”
Notes to editors
- The consultation is open until 6 April. You can respond
online at:
-
Draft dementia strategy for
Wales 2026 to 2036 | GOV.WALES
-
Strategaeth ddrafft dementia
Cymru 2026 i 2036 | LLYW.CYMRU
- The previous Dementia Action Plan was published in February
2018, with a Companion Document published in 2021.
- An independent evaluation of the previous plan found it had
positively transformed the dementia landscape in Wales, whilst
recognising more work is needed to optimise care and support.
- More than 400 people responded to an initial questionnaire in
2024 about priorities for the new strategy.
