Projects to support people with dementia, Shanghai, China

Problem China is experiencing rapid population ageing, placing increasing pressure on health-care systems, social services and families. Approach In 2019, the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau launched a citywide initiative to create dementia-friendly communities that integrate nonpharmacological interventions as an essential component. The bureau invited local agencies to apply for funding and design locally tailored interventions for people aged 55 years or older with cognitive impairment. Approved projects received funding over a three-year period. The bureau conducted annual assessments of the projects, and projects rated as excellent were showcased during public awareness campaigns for dementia. Local setting Shanghai, one of China' s most populous and rapidly ageing cities, has an estimated 300 000 people with dementia. Relevant changes By 2023, all 216 subdistricts and townships in Shanghai had implemented a project. These projects provided cognitive training and education and incorporated one or more activities for participants, such as horticulture, games, music, exercise and aromatherapy. Among the surveyed participants in 44 projects conducted in 2023 and 2024, 85.1% (275/323) reported being satisfied or very satisfied, and 90.1% (291/323) believed the interventions met their needs. Lessons learnt Shanghai’s publicly funded model enabled citywide dementia-friendly projects, which were highly appreciated by participants. Future efforts should strengthen academic collaboration for evidence-based practice, and adopt standardized protocols with validated measures to ensure consistent assessment and readiness for scale-up. To reinforce progress, the bureau launched the 2025–2030 implementation plan to sustain continued funding and provide technical support.