Austria Focuses on Dignity and Support for Rising Dementia Cases
vienna, Austria – As World Alzheimer’s day is observed, Austria is reaffirming its commitment to improving the lives of individuals living with dementia and their families. This year’s theme, “Dementia - Be and Stay,” underscores the importance of recognizing people with dementia as valued members of society, not simply defined by their condition.
Health Minister Korinna Schumann emphasized the need for collaborative solutions, stating, “It is crucial that we develop perspectives together in order to meet the needs of all participants and enable a dignified life.”
The scale of the challenge is significant. Globally,over 55 million people currently live with dementia,a number that is rapidly increasing. In Austria,approximately 170,000 individuals are affected,with projections estimating this number will exceed 290,000 by 2050. This growth highlights the increasing health and social policy importance of addressing dementia. Minister Schumann acknowledged the widespread impact, noting, ”Dementia affects all of us: in the family, in the neighborhood and throughout society.”
Austria has been actively working to improve dementia care since 2015 through its national dementia strategy, “Life with Dementia.” This strategy provides a framework for collaboration between the federal government, regional authorities, social security institutions, researchers, advocacy groups, and those directly affected by dementia. It outlines seven action goals and 21 recommendations aimed at creating innovative and sustainable support systems.
A recently published dementia report for 2025 provides an overview of progress and identifies areas needing further attention. the government currently offers a range of support services, including home visits for individuals with dementia, financial assistance like care allowances, support programs for caregivers, and funding for training courses. Informational brochures are also available for individuals with dementia, their families, and healthcare professionals.
Further facts on the Austrian dementia strategy, support services, and the 2025 dementia report can be found at:
* Demenzstrategie.at: https://www.demenzstrategie.at/
* Ministry of Social Affairs (Demenz page): https://www.sozialministerium.gv.at/Themen/Pflege/Demenz
* Dementia report 2025: https://broschuerenservice.sozialministerium.gv.at/Home/Download?publicationId=884&attachmentName=%C3%96sterreichischer_Demenzbericht_2025.pdf
