Global action against dementia: G8 Dementia Summit communique

The G8 Health Ministers met at the G8 Dementia Summit in London on 11 December 2013 to discuss how to shape an effective international response to dementia. They note the socio-economic impact of dementia globally, and that costs are expected to increase significantly if therapies to prevent dementia and improve care and treatment are not developed and implemented. This communique concerns issues relating to research and innovation; leadership, cross-sector partnerships and knowledge translation; supporting people affected by dementia and their carers; and reducing stigma and fear. The communique is signed by the G8 Health and Science Ministers (from the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States). They conclude that they will continue their efforts to work together in line with the commitments in the Declaration and Communiqué, but recognise that dementia is an issue which affects people in countries throughout the world. Consequently, they encourage  all countries and multilateral organisations to come together and take action to reduce the risk to health and to economic development which dementia currently presents.