The Glasgow Declaration has been launched by international organisation Alzheimer Europe, whose member is also Slovenian NGO Spominčica, which initiated the signing.

Kopač Mrak highlighted on the occasion that almost half of residents of retirement homes were struggling with the disease, which was why the homes were introducing new concepts of work.

The minister also welcomed the efforts of the Health Ministry, which is drawing up a strategy on senility in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour, the Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities.

Spominčica, meanwhile, called in a press release on Tuesday for a national programme on senility, as they feel it would improve the lives of both the patients and their families, while it would enable better work conditions to professionals in the field.

According to the NGO, there are currently more than 32,000 people suffering from senility in Slovenia and the number is expected to double over the next 20 years, as the general population is projected to age.

Senility is one of the most expensive diseases in public healthcare and presents a major economic and social burden, "which is why it needs to become a top priority for the public healthcare system".

Senility will also be in focus over the next three days as the 25th Alzheimer Europe conference is held in Ljubljana between Wednesday and Friday. The ministry took part in preparations as well, while President Borut Pahor will be the honorary sponsor.