ABSTRACT
This conclusion summarises the key issues across the dementia journey. There are many examples of innovative practice in dementia, but these vary from country to country and within countries. Some of this is understandable and the individual cultural context is important to recognise; however, there are also common support needs that people living with dementia and their families have at different points along the dementia journey. The challenge, as we see it, is to move beyond the policy and guidelines until we reach a point where the lived experiences of the person diagnosed and those that support them are optimal. We are at a point in time where we are perhaps further ahead now than ever before in having an international consensus about what needs to be achieved in the dementia field to bring about impactful change that will make a positive difference to the lives of those with dementia and their families. The challenge remains for everyone involved in dementia care to work together to make this a reality for all those who are diagnosed with dementia in the future.
