aacc.gov.mt
aacc.gov.mt
GENERAL
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a syndrome affecting the brain that is usually chronic or progressive in nature. It is an umbrella term for a range of conditions that impact memory, cognitive abilities, and behaviour, significantly interfering with a person’s ability to carry out everyday activities. While age is the strongest known risk factor, dementia is not a normal part of ageing. In addition to cognitive decline, individuals may experience behavioural and psychological symptoms such as disinhibition, delusions, hallucinations, aggression, agitation, anxiety, and depression.
Types of Dementia
There are several types of dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) being the most common, accounting for around 70% of cases. Other common types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and dementia associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Huntington’ disease. Each person’s journey with dementia is unique, most individuals follow a progressive trajectory, from mild symptoms in the early stages to increasing impairment in the later stages.
Signs and Symptoms
Early-stage dementia may go unnoticed or be misdiagnosed, as symptoms are often mistaken for normal ageing. These include short-term memory loss, difficulty with language, decision-making, and mood changes such as depression or anxiety. In the moderate stage, individuals may struggle with basic daily tasks, exhibit inappropriate behaviour, or experience hallucinations and confusion. Late-stage dementia leads to complete dependence, with severe memory loss, mobility loss, and incontinence. Comprehensive care becomes essential at this point.
Seeking Help
When noticing significant changes in doing daily activities, one should discuss with their General Practitioner. An early diagnosis has many benefits. Treatment can start at an early stage together with immediate support and information. It also gives people an opportunity to plan for their future.
The Dementia Help Line service can be accessed 24/7 for information and guidance by calling 1771.
Dementia Care Directorate
The Dementia Care Directorate (DCD) was established in 2023 under the remit of Active Ageing and Community Care (AACC). Through its work, the DCD strives to enhance the wellbeing, dignity, and quality of life of individuals living with dementia. To achieve its goals, the DCD delivers several specialised services including the Dementia Intervention Team (which provides post-diagnostic community support), Dementia Activity Centres, and the Dementia Helpline. A core principle of the DCD is collaborative working – partnering with staff from NGOs, private and voluntary sectors, to ensure effective and integrated delivery of the National Dementia Strategy. This collective effort encourages a coordinated approach to programme development, service delivery, education, and public awareness, ultimately supporting a holistic system of care for people with dementia and their carers.
Vision and Mission
The DCD envisions a society in which people with dementia and their caregivers are empowered, supported, and recognised as valued members of the community. The goal is to help them maintain their identity, resilience, and dignity; while accessing the services they need to live meaningful and active lives. To realise this vision, the DCD is committed to increase public understanding and awareness of dementia across all age groups and settings; promoting prevention and risk reduction strategies to delay or reduce the onset of dementia; and encouraging timely, person-centred diagnosis. A major focus is also placed on the provision of flexible, coordinated, and person-centred post-diagnostic care, ensuring continuous support for individuals living with dementia and their carers across various care settings.
National Dementia Strategy for the Maltese Islands 2024-2031
The main goal of the National Strategy for Dementia is to improve the quality of life for people with dementia, their caregivers, and families by addressing the key challenges currently faced in dementia care across Malta and Gozo through targeted action areas:
Dementia Care and Well-being
Brain Health
Research increasingly links dementia to lifestyle factors. While there’s no cure, healthy habits may reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Regular exercise boosts overall health and lowers risks like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol. A nutrient-rich diet supports both brain and heart health. Staying mentally and socially active—through activities like puzzles, reading, or social interaction—may help preserve cognitive function and delay dementia symptoms.
Living with Dementia
A dementia diagnosis can be emotionally challenging, bringing sadness and uncertainty. However, with the right support, individuals can still lead active lives. Though there’s no cure, medications may slow progression, and non-drug approaches—like routines, memory aids, and empathy—can help. Early planning around care, finances, and health needs is key. The Dementia Care Directorate provides valuable resources for individuals and families throughout the journey.
Living Well and Finding Support
Living well with dementia means supporting independence, dignity, and connection. Involving individuals in care decisions boosts confidence and self-worth. Social engagement and community activities are vital for emotional well-being. As needs change, care should adapt. Open conversations and awareness help reduce stigma and show that people with dementia can still enjoy meaningful, connected lives.
If you have any questions or need support, we encourage you to get in touch with the Dementia Care Directorate. We are here to help.
Dementia Intervention Team
The Dementia Intervention Team (DIT) provides community-based support for people with dementia and their caregivers through holistic home assessments, the development of personalised care plans that may include education, training, safety guidance, and coping strategies, followed by regular follow-ups and adjustments, all with the aim of enabling individuals to age actively within the community and enhance their quality of life.
Dementia Activity Centres
Dementia Activity Centres (DACs), located across Malta and Gozo, offer specialised day care services for people living with dementia, providing therapeutic activities, professional support, and respite that ease caregiver burden and have been shown to reduce stress and improve psychological well-being among caregivers, while trained staff facilitate therapy to help manage the effects of the condition.
Telecare on the Move
The Telecare on the Move service supports people with dementia in remaining active and mobile within the community, promoting independent living at home while placing minimal restrictions on their personal freedom.
iSupport for Dementia
iSupport is a self-help course, designed by the World Health Organisation, for caregivers of people with dementia, including family members, relatives and friends. This online educational programme is available online for free.
From Insight to Impact
A conference organized by the Dementia Care Directorate, with Active Ageing and Community Care.
This conference aims to bring together healthcare professionals and researchers within the field to share knowledge, ignite innovation and generate discussions about future Dementia care.
Through showcasing current practice and research in Dementia care in Malta, this conference serves as a foundation for building tomorrow’s care on today’s evidence.
