‘The Global Impact of Dementia 2013-2050’ is a policy brief for heads of government, updating ADI’s prevalence figures published in the World Alzheimer Report 2009. The new estimates are an increase of 17% on the figures published in 2009, with data showing that the number of people with dementia will increase from 115 to 135 million by 2050.
The report also predicts a shift in the distribution of the global burden of dementia. By 2050, 71% of all people with dementia will live in low- or middle-income countries.
The briefing was been released ahead of the first G8 Dementia Summit, which will took place in London, UK, on 11 December 2013.
Some key recommendations from the report include:
- The new data has shown that the current burden and future impact of the dementia epidemic has been underestimated, particularly for the Asia East and Sub-Saharan African regions. The global burden will soon shift to poorer countries
- Our best estimates show that 10% of dementia cases may be avoided by improvements in public health. Campaigns that target smoking, underactivity, obesity, hypertension and diabetes should be prioritised as well as education and other cognitive enhancement
- Research must be a global priority if we are to improve the quality and coverage of care, find treatments that alter the course of the disease and identify more options for prevention
- All countries, not just those in the G8, must commit to comprehensive plans for collaborative action. International cooperation will be essential and there is a need for a global action plan between governments, industry and non-profit organisations like Alzheimer associations
