Professor Warren Harding, the Chairman of Alzheimer's Western Australia and a faculty member at Macquarie University, concluded the second day of the International Dementia Care Conference (DEMCON'24) with a powerful lecture. The symposium, titled "Reaching the Unreached," presented an opportunity to examine new solutions to the mounting issues faced by dementia, which affects an estimated 8.8 million individuals in India. 

Prof. Harding emphasized the significance of comprehensive approaches to cognitive decline by asking stakeholders to develop environments that promote dignity and support for those living with dementia.  "The moment has arrived to act quickly and compassionately. "We can provide a lifeline for those suffering from this invisible disease by establishing dementia-friendly neighborhoods, encouraging early detection, and introducing initiatives such as memory cafes and home care programs," he remarked. 

He underscored the significance of cross-border collaborations, showcasing successful Australian models that could potentially adapt to India's unique socio-cultural environment. "No single country has all the answers, but by sharing knowledge and resources, we can build a global framework to address dementia effectively," Dr. Harding said. 

Building on the prior day's discussions, the second day of DEMCON'24 saw a number of historic accomplishments. In partnership with the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH), Dr. Radha S. Murthy, President of DIA, presented the Dementia Friendly Hospital Checklist. "Hospitals must cater to non-dementia medical needs in a way that is respectful and accommodating to those with dementia," she told me. 

Mr. Andrew Larpent, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of CommonAge, presented the Commonwealth Report, which highlighted several global approaches to dementia care. The report is likely to be a valuable resource for governments and healthcare professionals globally. 

Prof. Harding's advocacy for education and training complemented the conference's overall agenda. DIA stated that the Health Sector Skill Council has approved certification courses for dementia care workers, as well as partnerships to extend online learning platforms. Initiatives with Renaissance eServices and GreenXt Technology Solutions attempt to overcome the knowledge gap by providing accessible, bite-sized learning courses. 

Another highlight was the Dementia Tech Thinkathon, which demonstrated the importance of technological innovation in addressing dementia concerns. Winners of this competition received Rs. 2.5 lakhs for their pioneering contributions to improving the quality of life for dementia patients and carers. 

Prof. Harding also celebrated the signing of letters of intent with DIA, Alzheimer's Western Australia, and CommonAge, with a focus on capacity building, research advancement, and best practice sharing. "These partnerships are not just symbolic; they are the seeds of transformative change," he said. 

Dr. Pratima Murthy, Director of NIMHANS, urged greater collaboration among carers, physicians, policymakers, and researchers to develop scalable dementia care solutions. "Dementia care is not a one-size-fits-all challenge—it requires a tapestry of innovative and context-sensitive strategies," she told the crowd. 

As DEMCON'24 came to an end, the conference reaffirmed its commitment to comprehensive dementia care. "This gathering has been more than a dialogue—it has been a call to action," stated Dr. Mathew Verghese, Chairperson of the Scientific Committee, in his impassioned thank-you speech. 

DEMCON'24, with over 900 delegates from across the world and relationships with organizations like the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, NIMHANS, and Ramaiah Hospitals, established a standard for collaborative advancement in dementia care.