Résumé :
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The editors set out to show that Alzheimer's disease and other dementias pose a set of challenges to policy makers which are different from those raised by any other form of disability. The second theme relates to the complexity of the needs of sufferers and their carers, which requires a coordinated approach to policy and implementation. There is great disparity in the way that issues are handled across the EU. The chapter on "Carer burden" highlights the difficulties and rewards of the care giving role. Virtually all EU policies count on family support, yet few member states offer substantial practical or financial support. It is not just a matter of money; there is also inadequate access to the kinds of psychological interventions which can decrease the burden for carers. In a chapter on "Services for people with dementia and their carers", interesting examples are given of supported living in group home settings in Sweden and France. The need for support worker training programmes is highlighted and a useful list of training requirements presented. As a practising old age psychiatrist who often complains about the lack of support services available to my patients, I was surprised to see that UK services have developed a greater degree of specialisation than in most other EU countries. A final chapter describes how Europe can move towards developing coherent policies for dementia sufferers by accepting coherency statements which will provide a framework for raising the level of investment in services. This book will be useful for policy makers in health, social and voluntary services, commissioners, and interested clinicians.
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