Alzheimer’s is major threat, warns report
By IANSTuesday, September 22, 2009
TORONTO - Alzheimer’s disease is on the rise worldwide, warns a new report that says dementia cases will double every 20 years to reach 65.7 million in 2030 and 115.4 million in 2050.
More than 35 million people worldwide will have dementia in 2010, says the report by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI). Alzheimer’s disease leads to deterioration in memory, learning, speaking and judgment. It is progressive and fatal.
In its World Alzheimer’s Report released on World Alzheimer’s Day Monday, the international body says cases of dementia have gone up 10 percent since 2005.
Low and middle income countries will pay a heavy social and economic cost as they will account for much of the increase in global dementia prevalence, says the report.
South Asia, Latin America and Western Europe will account for much of the rise in dementia cases in the coming decades, according to the report.
Currently, 57.7 percent of people with dementia live in low and middle income countries. This figure will rise to 70.5 percent by 2050, says the report.
“The information in the 2009 World Alzheimer’s Report makes it clear that the crisis of dementia and Alzheimer’s cannot be ignored,” ADI Executive Director Marc Wortmann has been quoted as saying in a press release here.
“Unchecked, Alzheimer’s will impose enormous burdens on individuals, families, health care infrastructures, and global economy,” he warns.
“There is hope in taking action by improving and funding dementia care and services, and increasing investment in research.
“Australia, France, Korea and the UK have developed national Alzheimer’s action plans, and several more are currently in development. We strongly encourage other countries to follow their example and make Alzheimer’s a priority,” he says.
Warning governments worldwide, the report says dementia will take physical, psychological and economic toll on not only the person with the disease, but also families, caregivers, and their societies. It says 40-75 percent of caregivers also develop psychological illnesses.
