Dementia remains one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, requiring coordinated public health responses. This webinar presents Italy’s approach to tackling dementia through the lens of the WHO’s Global Action Plan on Dementia (GAP).

Hosted by Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), the session highlights the national efforts undertaken through the Italian Fund for Alzheimer’s and Dementia (IFAD)—a €15 million initiative running from 2021–2023, recently renewed for €35 million for 2024–2026. Activities cover governance, risk reduction, service access, and inclusive community development.

Key insights include:

1. A scenario analysis showing that 39.5% of dementia cases in Italy are linked to 11 modifiable risk factors
2. A newly developed National Guideline with 167 clinical and 39 research recommendations
3. Findings from economic and service accessibility studies, including a national median diagnostic delay of 12 months and average monthly out-of-pocket costs of €1,800
4. Mapping of Dementia Friendly Communities and national care services to promote equity and access
5. Carer-focused research revealing unmet needs in support services and public campaigns

The session positions Italy’s experience as a model for a European strategy on dementia, emphasising harmonised best practices, coordinated research, and science-for-policy initiatives aligned with WHO guidance.