Dementia is a syndrome that results in a progressive cognitive and functional deterioration, impairing the ability to perform everyday activities.  Dementia has a profound impact on the quality of life of patients and their families.  The incidence of dementia in the general population is increasing.  In a report released in 2012, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Alzheimer’s Disease International recognised dementia as a “public health priority".

The number of people with dementia in Italy is estimated at over a million and directly or indirectly involves approximately three million carers. 

There are many different forms or causes of dementia.  Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and may contribute to 60-70% of cases.  Other major forms include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies (abnormal aggregates of protein that develop inside nerve cells) and a group of diseases that contribute to frontotemporal dementia (degeneration of the frontal lobe of the brain).  The boundaries between different forms of dementia are indistinct and mixed forms often co-exist.  Fondazione Sanità e Ricerca offers suitable care pathways for each of these diseases.

The facility has a Day Centre and provides Home Care services in order to address the ever-changing needs of patients and their carers in the appropriate care settings.

Alzheimer’s patients are admitted to the Day Centre or Home Care upon receipt of a clinical diagnosis issued by a centre for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia and a subsequent multidimensional assessment performed by the Foundation’s team.

Counselling is available for the families of patients on the waiting list, who are also offered training courses and information concerning the local services and their rights.

The approach is based on Tom Kitwood’s concept of person centred care.  A person is not their dementia illness and is important to focus on their strengths, emotional, social and physical needs rather than on the diminished or lost abilities.

This model is implemented by establishing flexible care pathways, providing training and support to carers and promoting mutual support groups in their community.  In particular, the centre suggests cognitive stimulation therapy, occupational therapy, motor rehabilitation, counselling for families, psycho-educational meetings for private carers and community integration activities subsequent to a multidimensional assessment and the establishment of an Individual Care Plan.

Members of staff use real time clinical data sharing software.