This week, regular guest host and Dementia Researcher blogger Dr Anna Volkmer talks with representatives from the World Health Organisation, to learn about the brilliant new Global Dementia Observatory (GDO) Knowledge Exchange Platform. Listen to hear how researchers can contribute, and how the service is already making a difference.
This week’s guests are the courageous Jim Mann and the incredible Laura Garcia Diaz.
Jim lives in British Columbia, he is a Researcher, Author, and Volunteer Living with Alzheimer’s. Has an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in recognition of his effort on “countering negative stereotypes and promoting an inclusive society in which persons with dementia can make an active and meaningful contribution.” Jim was diagnosed in 2007 at the age of 58, and he has contributed to the project in a variety of ways.
Laura supports management of the Knowledge Exchange Platform. She has five years of experience in knowledge translation and mobilisation in the area of dementia, having previously worked for the Alzheimer Society of Canada supporting the developing and dissemination of dementia resources. In addition to consulting for the WHO Laura is in the fourth year of a dual degree program at McMaster University, Canada, in which she is completing a Master of Science Occupational Therapy and a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences degrees in concurrently. Her research focuses on the evaluation of a Canadian dementia-inclusive community initiative.
The Global Dementia Observatory (GDO) Knowledge Exchange Platform, also known as the GDO KE Platform, is a resource hub that facilitates the implementation of the Global action plan on the public health response to dementia 2017-2025. It offers various resources, such as policies, guidelines, case studies, and examples of good practices, which are freely available for stakeholders to share and learn from. Users can submit resources, which are then filtered based on strategic action areas, country-specific information, and resource types. A rigorous review process, involving peer reviewers, a Focus Group of individuals with lived experience of dementia, and the World Health Organization (WHO) Secretariat, ensures the quality and adherence to good practice criteria. Users can leave comments and ratings to foster discussion and improvement. The GDO KE Platform works alongside the GDO data portal, which gathers and disseminates data from Member States on 35 key dementia indicators, aiding evidence-based service planning and policy strengthening. The GDO serves as the monitoring and accountability mechanism for the Global action plan and supports the data portal. Access to the GDO KE Platform and the GDO data portal is available for interested individuals.
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