In light of the latest WHO report on this topic, here are some facts about dementia in the world and how to address the challenges at the national, regional, and global level.
By Gabriela Campillo
Dementia is currently the seventh leading cause of death in the world and 55 million people are living with it, according to the Global Status Report on the Public Health Response to Dementia, published by the World Health Organization.
At MICARE we agree that it’s important to involve people with dementia and their families in public policies, research, and care plans, as stated by our director Claudia Miranda, who virtually attended the delivery of the results of this report on September 2, 2021.
Some facts about dementia provided by the WHO:
– Dementia is a syndrome involving impairment of memory, intellect, behaviour, and the ability to perform activities of daily living.
– Dementia is NOT an inevitable consequence of ageing.
– The number of people with dementia is increasing rapidly.
– Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-70% of cases.
– Dementia is one of the leading causes of disability and dependence among older people worldwide.
– Most carers of people with dementia are family members.
– 70% of informal care hours are performed by women.
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