Key messages

Our aim To facilitate quality of life for people living with dementia and their family / whānau Examples of improvements we seek:  Positive attitudes that recognise people with dementia as valued human beings who do retain abilities  Increased understanding of the concept of dementia  Elimination of the stigma associated with a diagnosis of dementia  Increased evidence of person-first viewpoint (person-centred care)  Improved support for family / whānau carers  Improved training and recognition for the workforce August 2013National Dementia Cooperative2

What we do  Collaborate  Disseminate resources and information  Share knowledge Examples:  Organise national knowledge exchange forum Nov 2013  Develop online platforms (NDC and Health Navigator websites)  Establish local face-to-face networks  Coordinate Dementia Research  Cooperate with Alzheimers, Carers NZ, other organisations  Advocate for the rights of people with dementia to health services that best meet their needs August 2013National Dementia Cooperative3

Who we are  A nationwide group formed in 2011  Led by an elected steering group  Supported by a national coordinator  Funded by several organisations  Over 600 members, individuals and organisations including people with dementia, carers, academics, medical, nursing, and allied health workers, service managers  Private providers, District Health Boards, not-for-profit, non- government, religious, professional and educational organisations August 2013National Dementia Cooperative4

About dementia A progressive neurological condition that commonly affects memory, insight, and reasoning. Behaviour, personality and emotions may also change The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease Most people with dementia live at home and are supported by family / whānau Although there is no cure, much can be done to support people with dementia and thereby the carer August 2013National Dementia Cooperative5

Why dementia is an issue  More people with dementia because people live longer Around 50,000 New Zealanders have dementia now – 1.1 percent of the New Zealand population Numbers will triple by 2050 – over 2.6 percent of the population  Financial cost of dementia in 2011 estimated at $954.8 million  Value of carers, removed fully or partially from the workforce to care for someone with dementia, estimated at $37.7 million From Alzheimers New Zealand Dementia Economic Impact Report 2011  With limited resources we need to coordinate our efforts to ensure that New Zealanders living with dementia get the best possible service. August 2013National Dementia Cooperative6