Global Dementia Numbers to Triple by 2050

The number of people suffering globally from dementia is set to rise from the current 35.6 million estimate to at least 115 million by the middle of the century, according to the World Health Organization (WHO; Geneva, Switzerland).

The information comes from the “Dementia: a public health priority” report published by WHO and Alzheimer's Disease International (London, United Kingdom). The purpose of the report is to raise awareness of dementia as a public health priority, to articulate a public health approach, and to advocate for action at international and national levels. The report is expected to facilitate governments, policy-makers, and other stakeholders to address the impact of dementia as an increasing threat to global health, and to promote dementia as a public health and social care priority worldwide.

By the year 2030, there will be at least 65 million people with dementia. Additionally, 58% of people with dementia today are from low-to-middle-income nations; by 2050, these countries will have over 70% of all individuals with dementia. Over USD 604 billion are spent each year worldwide on treating and caring for individuals with dementia. This toll includes the provision of health and social care, as well as loss of income of the dementia patients and their caregivers, with many caregivers having to give up their jobs to look after a person with dementia.

According to the report, there are currently only eight countries that have an active national program to tackle dementia, a typically chronic syndrome that affects behavior, thinking, memory, and the individual's ability to perform everyday tasks. Dementia is overwhelming not only for the people who have it, but also for their caregivers and families. A lack of awareness and understanding of dementia results in stigmatization, barriers to diagnosis, and care, impacting caregivers, families and societies physically, psychologically, and economically.

“Public awareness about dementia, its symptoms, the importance of getting a diagnosis, and the help available for those with the condition is very limited,” said Marc Wortmann, executive director of Alzheimer's Disease International. “It is now vital to tackle the poor levels of public awareness and understanding, and to drastically reduce the stigma associated with dementia.”

“We need to increase our capacity to detect dementia early and to provide the necessary health and social care,” added Oleg Chestnov, MD, assistant director-general for noncommunicable diseases and mental health at the WHO. “Much can be done to decrease the burden of dementia. Health-care workers are often not adequately trained to recognize dementia.”

Related Links:
World Health Organization
Alzheimer's Disease International