A new global approach to childhood dementia
Join us to accelerate progress and make childhood dementia a global health policy priority.
Childhood Dementia Initiative is driving a coordinated global approach to childhood dementia. Our goal: to accelerate progress and make childhood dementia a global health policy priority. We invite you to join in this pivotal work.
There are two foundational projects that are vital for achieving this goal:
To establish international agreement on the definition of childhood dementia.
A strategic framework that unites and coordinates childhood dementia research efforts.
Together, these world-first projects will strengthen and unite global advocacy efforts, bringing much-needed attention and investment to the childhood dementia field. This coordinated approach will drive collaborative and efficient research progress, ultimately fast tracking the delivery of effective treatments and improving clinical care and support for children and families worldwide.
Childhood dementia is a global issue that requires global solutions
More than 50,000 babies are born with a condition that causes childhood dementia every year globally. Childhood dementia takes a life every 11 minutes. In high income countries, childhood dementia causes as many deaths as childhood cancer. In other areas of the world it is estimated that the incidence of childhood dementia is twice as high due to late diagnosis and lack of access to treatments. Yet progress and investment in childhood dementia research and care are severely limited across the world. Children with conditions that cause dementia need treatments and cures; they need equitable and quality care. This is urgent.
Childhood Dementia Initiative's approach in Australia is driving improvements in awareness, policy, research, care, and support. Now is the time to accelerate progress at the global level.
Help shape the global future of childhood dementia
Join us in this urgent work to improve outcomes for children affected by these devastating conditions worldwide. If you would like to have your say, share your expertise, offer support or simply keep up to date please connect with us here; we especially want to hear from:
- Families and patient organisations: Individual families impacted by childhood dementia and groups representing and supporting these families
- Clinical specialists: With experience treating children with conditions that cause dementia, including paediatric neurologists, metabolic medicine specialists, geneticists, neuropsychiatrists, palliative care specialists, allied health professionals, and adult dementia specialists with an interest in childhood-onset conditions
- Researchers: Neuroscientists and other researchers focused on fields relevant to childhood dementia, including basic science, clinical research, epidemiology, health economics, and implementation science
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies: With interests in diagnostics, drug development, clinical trials, gene therapy, precision medicine, biomarkers or other innovative approaches relevant to childhood dementia
- Professional bodies and health organisations: With an interest in improving the landscape of care and research for children with dementia, including medical colleges, nursing associations, allied health professional bodies, and healthcare quality improvement organisations
- Governments and policy makers: Including health ministers, department officials, and policy advisors working on rare diseases, children's health, dementia, disability, and healthcare planning at local, national, and international levels
- Research funders: Including government research agencies, private foundations, philanthropic organisations, industry partners, and international funding bodies committed to advancing childhood dementia research and care.
