Alcohol-related dementia excluded from new rights for younger patients

People under 67 with dementia in the Faroe Islands were granted equal access to municipal services in December, but those with alcohol-related dementia were explicitly excluded, Kringvarp Føroya reports.

On 2 December 2025, the Løgting approved equal municipal support for all dementia patients, though the measure was initially limited to those over 67. Previously, younger patients relied on the public employment service for potential assistance. However, an exception was made: alcohol-related dementia patients under 67 were left without coverage.

The exclusion stems from a note stating that alcohol-related dementia is “not a disease that stands alone and worsens by itself.” The Psychiatric Department criticised the distinction, arguing the term is poorly defined and often involves mixed conditions. It recommended including alcohol-related dementia in the law.

The Health Ministry aligned with the Psychiatric Department, but the Social and Health Affairs Ministry disagreed, maintaining the exclusion. The issue may be revisited at the municipal level if needed.

Martin Kúrberg, head of Herbergin care home, questioned the distinction, noting that five residents there lack alternative care options. He said it is unclear why the cause of dementia should determine access to services.