digiDEM Bavaria recognized as best practice example for dementia research in Europe – 6,500 people have already had their cognitive performance tested
The Bavarian Digital Dementia Register (digiDEM Bayern) has been highlighted as a best-practice example in dementia care in a Europe-wide overview by the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA). The report „Future-Proofing the Alzheimer’s Disease Healthcare Journey: Emerging Best Practices Across Europe“ singles out digiDEM Bayern as an exemplary model for data-driven care research. This recognition is impressively underscored by a new project milestone: 6,500 people have had their memory performance tested at dementia screening days since the project began.
The EFPIA report systematically identifies and documents, for the first time, solutions for the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of Alzheimer's disease in eight European countries: the Czech Republic, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. EFPIA is the largest European umbrella organization of the research-based pharmaceutical industry and initiated the report together with its Alzheimer's Disease Platform to support healthcare decision-makers with concrete recommendations for action.
digiDEM Bayern is highlighted as a best-practice example in the area of „Data-Driven Decision-Making and System Optimization.“ The report recognizes the project as a model for how registry data can be used to advance dementia care and research in an evidence-based manner. The focus is on the approach of systematically collecting long-term data from actual care settings (so-called Real-World Data) in order to gain insights that can impact everything from regional care planning to national health policy. The digital dementia registry currently includes around 3,500 participants.
„Inclusion in this European report confirms what we have built together in Bavaria with our research partners: a registry that directly links dementia research with the improvement of care,“ says Prof. Dr. Peter Kolominsky-Rabas, neurologist and project leader of digiDEM Bayern. „Our data helps to better understand and specifically improve the quality of life for people with dementia and their relatives and caregivers.“
6,500 Dementia Screenings: A Milestone for Early Detection
The success of the dementia screening days shows that this commitment is also resonating with the public: 6,500 people have participated there since the summer of 2022 and had their memory performance checked free of charge using a scientific short test.
The screening test takes 15 to 20 minutes and provides initial indications as to whether further medical investigation is advisable. It does not replace a comprehensive diagnosis, but for many affected individuals, it opens the door to early care. „The sooner dementia is detected, the sooner people with dementia and their relatives and loved ones can learn to cope with the illness, and the sooner treatment and support services can be accessed,“ emphasizes Prof. Dr. Peter Kolominsky-Rabas. The data obtained is immediately incorporated into the dementia registry, thus contributing to scientific knowledge gain. This interplay is highlighted by the EFPIA report as exemplary for all of Europe.
digiDEM Bayern is funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Health, Care and Prevention (StMGP).
Zum Bericht „Future-Proofing the Alzheimer’s Disease Healthcare Journey“ der European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) gelangen Sie here.
Press Contact:
Lucas Westermann
Referent for Scientific Communication & PR digiDEM Bavaria
Tel.: +4991318534167
E-Mail: lucas.westermann@uk-erlangen.de
