More on the Disproportionately High Impact of Dementia Upon Women (GADAA)

Summary

Women comprise roughly 65% of people with dementia in the UK. They are disproportionately affected by the condition in terms of having to assume caring responsibilities. The main section headings in this report comprise:

• Chapter 1: Key Challenges.
  • An Overlooked Majority.
  • Women as Care Partners.
  • Stigma, Discrimination and Violence.
• Chapter 2: National Responses.
  • Prevalence.
  • Differing Impact.
  • Caring.
  • Implementation.
  • Conclusion.
• Chapter 3: International Frameworks.
  • WHO Global Action Plan.
  • Regional Frameworks.
  • Sustainable Development Goals.
  • CEDAW.
  • International Civil Society Responses.
• Chapter 4: Conclusions.
  • Recommendations.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognised the impact of dementia on women as a global challenge. Improvement of woman’s health, social care and rights (amongst a wide range of other priorities) were adopted as important issues by the Global Plan of Action on the Public Health Response to Dementia 2017–2025 at the 70th World Health Assembly in May 2017.

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Reference

Corfield, S. (2017). Women and dementia: a global challenge. London: Global Alzheimer’s & Dementia Action Alliance (GADAA) / Alzheimer’s Society, February 2017.

Organisational notes:

“Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer’s Disease International, Age International and Dementia Alliance International form the GADAA Steering Committee. Alzheimer’s Society hosts the GADAA secretariat”.

The WHO Global Action Plan on the Public Health Response to Dementia 2017–2025

Action areas identified in this plan comprise:

1. Dementia as a public health priority.
2. Dementia awareness and friendliness.
3. Dementia risk reduction.
4. Dementia diagnosis, treatment, care and support.
5. Support for dementia carers.
6. Information systems for dementia.
7. Dementia research and innovation.

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Reference

World Health Organization (2017). Global action plan on the public health response to dementia 2017–2025. Geneva: World Health Organization (WHO), 2017. ISBN 978-92-4-151348-7.

These ideas were picked-up in Wales:

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Reference

Hedd Jones, C. (2018). Global and national perspective on dementia. Bangor: Bangor University / National Assembly for Wales, February 2018.

Sex-Specific Differences in Brain Connectivity? Sex-Specific Genetic Risk Factors?

More speculation on the likely role of sex-specific differences in brain connectivity and possible genetic links:

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Reference

Gallagher, J. (2019). Alzheimer’s risk ‘different in women and men’. London: BBC Health News, July 16^th 2019.