Dementia Numbers to Triple by 2050 Globally
The number of people globally with dementia is set to rise from its current 35.6 million estimate, to at least 115 million by the middle of the century, says the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO adds that by 2030, there will be at least 65 million people with dementia. 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.
$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. Many caregivers have to give up their jobs to look after a person with dementia.
According to the report - “Dementia: a public health priority”, published by WHO and Alzheimer’s Disease International - there are currently only 8 countries that have an active national program to tackle dementia. The authors say that programs should concentrate on better early diagnosis, improving public awareness about dementia, reducing stigma, and providing better support for those who care for dementia patients.
Better early diagnosis
A major problem with dementia today is lack of diagnosis. Even in rich nations, a mere 1 in 5 of all dementia cases are routinely recognized. Unfortunately, in the majority of cases, diagnoses are made when the disease is already well advanced.
Dr Oleg Chestnov, Assistant Director-General, Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health at WHO, said:
“We need to increase our capacity to detect dementia early and to provide the necessary health and social care. Much can be done to decrease the burden of dementia. Health-care workers are often not adequately trained to recognize dementia.”