Status of dementia care and support services in Cyprus

On World Alzheimer’s Day, September 21, 2026, reports highlight the challenges faced by 16,000 people living with dementia in Cyprus. There is currently no specific "Alzheimer’s allowance" in the country, and diagnosis does not automatically qualify patients for financial support. Instead, families must navigate complex bureaucratic procedures to access general disability benefits for home or institutional care. Critics argue that public infrastructure is insufficient, pointing to a lack of specialized state day centers and a reliance on private sector solutions.

As of August 1, 2026, the government implemented the first phase of a reform concerning people with disabilities, introducing a new Personal Assistance and Home Care Allowance. This reform includes a 10% increase in existing benefits, with retroactive application from January 1, 2026. The allowance system has also been decoupled from previous constraints to better facilitate access. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health is working to update the National Action Plan for Dementia and has reconstituted a Multidisciplinary Committee to improve the national strategy for prevention, diagnosis, and psychosocial support for families and caregivers.