As of the end of 2017, the dementia population in Taiwan exceeded 270,000. In response, the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced the “Taiwan Dementia Policy: A Framework for Prevention and Care 2.0” in December 2017. The Ministry of Health and Welfare convened eight councils of the Executive Yuan to jointly invest TWD $9 billion between 2018 and 2019 in actively promoting the prevention and care of dementia and fulfilling the commitments made by President Tsai Ing-Wen.

To conform with international expectations, the “Taiwan Dementia Policy: A Framework for Prevention and Care 2.0” proposed by the Ministry of Health and Welfare references the “Global Action Plan on the Public Health Response to Dementia 2017-2025” proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote the following seven strategies: (1) Prioritize dementia in public health promotion; (2) raise public awareness and acceptance of dementia; (3) reduce the risk of dementia; (4) establish a robust dementia diagnosis, treatment, and care network; (5) universalize support and assistance for home-based dementia caregivers; (6) create a dementia data collection and analysis platform; and (7) promote dementia research, innovation, and development. Several cross-council meetings were held to discuss the formulation and implementation of 19 action plans.

As of the end of May 2018, 34 daycare centers offer dementia care services, and 21 veteran homes and welfare institutions operate dementia departments, collectively offering 1,012 beds. Nine nursing homes and 26 ministry-registered hospitals provide dementia services, collectively offering 997 beds. In terms of community care, 72 Integrated Dementia Care Centers (IDCC) have been established in the city as of the end of June, assisting suspected dementia cases in seeking medical assistance, raising public awareness and acceptance of dementia, and fostering dementia caregivers at various locations. Moreover, 333 Support Center for People with Dementia and their Families (SPDF) have been established across the city to promote awareness, organize dementia-alleviating activities, and train home caregivers and support groups (counseling and consultation). The aforementioned resources are invested in hopes of improving the quality of life of dementia patients and their caregivers and providing them with necessary care services and support.

To fully implement dementia policies and management/supervision mechanisms, each action plan contains a set of quantifiable and measurable indicators. The Ministry of Health and Welfare holds periodic review meetings each year to ensure the implementation and completion of the action plans and relevant tasks and monitor the development of dementia in Taiwan. We welcome the public to learn more about the Taiwan Dementia Policy: A Framework for Prevention and Care 2.0, and help us build a “dementia-friendly Taiwan!”