The National Healthcare Policy for Older People outlines the importance of immunization campaigns, prevention programs for chronic non-communicable diseases, and educational programs on healthy lifestyle (Brazilian Ministry of Health, 2006b). According to the National Policy of Primary Care healthcare-community agents are responsible for visiting people from their community on a regular basis. These visits aim, among other objectives, to assess the health of people and to guide them towards disease prevention and risk reduction (Brazilian Ministry of Health, 2012). It is relevant to note that this policy includes people of all ages, not only older people.

References:

Brazilian Ministry of Health. (2006b). Política Nacional de Saúde da Pessoa Idosa. Brazilian Ministry of Health. http://bvsms.saude.gov.br/bvs/saudelegis/gm/2006/prt2528_19_10_2006.html

Brazilian Ministry of Health. (2012). Política Nacional de Atenção Básica. http://189.28.128.100/dab/docs/publicacoes/geral/pnab.pdf

As mentioned in the Mental Health Review Report (MHRR), the prevention of dementia can be divided in three conventional levels. On one hand, to delay the onset of dementia, primary prevention consists of public education and risk reduction measures to promote healthy lifestyles, social engagement, and cognitive reserve. On the other hand, secondary prevention includes both pharmacological and non-pharmacological means for detection, diagnosis, intervention, and supportive services to manage the cognitive decline and progression of dementia. Moreover, tertiary prevention includes accurate and individualised need assessment to reduce the burden and to improve quality of life for persons with dementia and their family carers (Food and Health Bureau, 2017a, p. 186).

The Elderly Services Programme Plan (ESPP) mentions not only strategic directions on strengthening health maintenance, but also risk reduction and illness prevention by providing suitable services to older people with mild impairments (Working Group on Elderly Services Programme Plan, 2017, p. 24).

References:

Food and Health Bureau. (2017a). Mental Health Review Report.  Retrieved from https://www.fhb.gov.hk/download/press_and_publications/otherinfo/180500_mhr/e_mhr_full_report.pdf.

Working Group on Elderly Services Programme Plan, Elderly Commission of Government of Hong Kong SAR,. (2017). Elderly Services Programme Plan. Hong Kong: Elderly Commission of Government HKSAR Retrieved from https://www.elderlycommission.gov.hk/en/download/library/ESPP_Final_Report_Eng.pdf.

Risk reduction and prevention for dementia is addressed in part through the National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS) (MoHFW, 2017b). While the NPCDCS does not specifically mention dementia, it addresses risk factors and co-morbid conditions in persons with dementia. This could involve screening for risk factors and promoting healthy behaviours to reduce the risk of dementia.

References:

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. (2017b). National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS).

The policy states that dementia prevention can be achieved through a reduction of risk factors of degenerative diseases and the enhancement of factors supportive to achieve healthy and productive brain. These targets are also covered in the first action plan, which focuses on public awareness campaigns. These programmes are coordinated jointly by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Health, and actors, such as public and private companies, governmental and non-governmental organizations with the goal to intensify campaigns and education in schools, among families, and across society (and including the workforce) (Ministry of Health Republic of Indonesia, 2015b).

References:

Ministry of Health Republic of Indonesia. (2015b). National Strategy: Management of Alzheimer and Other Dementia Diseases: Towards Healthy and Productive Older Persons. Ministry of Health Republic of Indonesia.

No data was sourced due to a lack of dementia policy in Jamaica.

Three lines of action are developed around prevention and risk reduction:

1. Considering dementia as a relevant public health problem.
2. Strengthen preventive campaigns against diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and physical inactivity to reduce risk factors associated with dementia.
3. Promote mental health care at all stages of human development.

NZ Dementia framework:

The first key element of the dementia framework is on awareness and risk reduction with the stated aim of using “both local and national efforts to make New Zealanders more aware of the importance of living a healthy and active lifestyle, which may reduce the risk of developing dementia. Greater awareness will also increase the social acceptance, inclusion, and wellbeing of those living with dementia”. This includes recommendations and good practice examples of initiatives at local, regional, and national level for dementia awareness, stigma reduction, and education on risk reduction strategies.

Dementia Action Plan:

One of the four key action areas identified in the plan is to reduce the incidence of dementia. The plan outlines the need for health promotion agencies/sector NGO’s to “Work with colleagues involved with other key non-communicable diseases and population health to design a health promotion programme that includes dementia prevention / brain health protection”. 

Not applicable as there is no dementia-specific policy or plan for South Africa.