World Health Organization (April 11, 2012): Dementia Cases Set to Triple by 2050 But Still Largely Ignored

Worldwide, nearly 35.6 million people live with dementia. This number is expected to double by 2030 (65.7 million) and more than triple by 2050 (115.4 million). Dementia affects people in all countries, with more than half (58%) living in low- and middle-income countries. BY 2050, this is likely to rise to more than 70%.

Treating and caring for people with dementia currently costs the world more than US$604 billion per year. This includes the cost of providing health and social care as well as the reduction or loss of income of people with dementia and their caregivers.

NEW WHO REPORT: DEMENTIA: A PUBLIC HEALTH PRIORITY

Only eight countries worldwide currently have national programmes in place to address dementia. A new report Dementia: A Public Health Priority, published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Alzheimer's Disease International, recommends that programmes focus on improving early diagnosis; raising public awareness about the disease and reducing stigma; and providing better care and more support to caregivers.