HealDem – Swift and Safe Support to Strengthen Health Literacy for People with Mild Cognitive Impairment (Dementia) and Informal Caregivers 

Project number: NPAD-2026/10048  

Funder: Nordplus Adult  

Project duration: september 2026 – august 2028  

Leading partner: 

KBT Fagskole AS (Norway) 

Partners: 

Tartu Applied Health Sciences University 

University College of Northern Denmark 

Dementia Competence Center 

Mittuniversitetet 

Project aim: 

The project aims to ensure that our health and social care systems offer people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), early-stage dementia, and their informal caregivers prompt and appropriate support by strengthening their health literacy in collaboration between Nordic and Baltic partners. Limited health literacy (difficulties in finding, understanding, and applying health information) can delay diagnosis and treatment, hinder effective care planning, and increase stress and health risks for both people with MCI and dementia and their caregivers. 

The project addresses these gaps by delivering timely, reliable, and accessible guidance tailored to the specific needs of people with MCI, early-stage dementia, and their informal caregivers. By improving their health literacy, the project empowers individuals and families to navigate healthcare systems, make informed decisions, and adopt strategies that promote safety, health, well-being, and quality of life. 

Enhancing health literacy at this critical stage in the dementia journey can potentially improve health, reduce avoidable hospitalizations’, and alleviate caregiver burden. The project therefore contributes to better personal outcomes, more efficient use of healthcare resources, and a dementia-friendly society by providing tailored guidance and practical tools for people with dementia, their informal caregivers, and professionals, supporting independence, inclusion, health and well-being. 

Expertise will be used in developing supportive materials for this group and guidelines for health professionals, volunteers, and other relevant persons to ensure an easy implementation in practice. The materials will be available in paper and digital formats. 

Budget: 74 680 EUR, 10 780 EUR for TARTUH 

Contact person: Merle Varik, merle.varik@tartuh.ee