More than 35 million people have dementia worldwide, according to new
report
Global community promoting importance of early
diagnosis
September 21, 2009 -- Startling new statistics on the
worldwide prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias are being
released today as countries across the globe join together in recognition of
World Alzheimer's Day.
According to the World Alzheimer Report, released today by
Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI), an estimated 35.6 million people
worldwide will be living with dementia in 2010. This is a 10 per cent increase
over previous global dementia prevalence reported in 2005 in The
Lancet. According to the new report, dementia prevalence will nearly double
every 20 years, to 65.7 million in 2030 and 115.4 million in 2050.
"The information in the 2009 World Alzheimer Report makes it clear
that the crisis of dementia cannot be ignored," says Debbie Benczkowski, Interim
CEO of the Alzheimer Society. "Unchecked, dementia will impose enormous burdens
on individuals, families, health care infrastructures, and global economy."
The report also focuses on the impact of dementia. For example, statistics
cited in the new report suggest that 40 to 75 per cent of caregivers have
significant psychological illness as a result of their caregiving, and 15 to 32
per cent have depression. Challenges faced by governments and health care
systems worldwide are also outlined, and eight global recommendations are
offered based on report findings.
This international report is being delivered today amongst a global message
of Diagnosing Dementia: See it Sooner. The Alzheimer
Society is joining Alzheimer organizations across the world, speaking out about
the importance of early diagnosis.
"Early diagnosis is an essential first step towards receiving appropriate
help and support. Delay in diagnosis means that people with dementia and their
caregivers suffer unnecessarily from uncertainty about what is happening, are
deprived of the treatment and care they need, and are unable to begin planning
for the future," says Dr. Jack Diamond, Scientific Director of the Alzheimer
Society.
The full 2009 World Alzheimer Report, including the methodology used
to prepare it, can be found at www.alz.co.uk/worldreport.
Alzheimer Society
There are currently about half a million Canadians living with Alzheimer's
disease or a related dementia, or 1 in 11 over the age of 65. The Alzheimer
Society is the leading, nationwide health organization for people affected by
dementia in Canada. The Society is a principal funder of Alzheimer research and
training, provides enhanced care and support to people with the disease, their
families and their caregivers, and is a prominent voice within all levels of
government. Active in more than 140 communities across Canada, the Society is
also a founding member of ADI. For more information please visit www.alzheimer.ca.
Alzheimer's Disease International
ADI is an international federation of 71 Alzheimer associations around the
world, in official relations with the World Health Organization. Each member is
the national Alzheimer association in their country that supports people with
dementia and their families. ADI's mission is to improve the quality of life of
people with dementia and their families throughout the world. For more
information please visit www.alz.co.uk/adi.
Media contact:
Rosanne Meandro,
Communications Officer
Tel:
416-847-8920
E-mail: rmeandro@alzheimeront.org
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