WHO signals alarm about dementia challenge

 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) released its first report on the global status of the public health response to dementia, showing that only a quarter of countries worldwide have a national policy, strategy or plan for supporting people with dementia and their families. 

These gaps are increasingly concerning, as the number of people living with dementia is growing. WHO estimates that more than 55 million people (8.1% of women and 5.4% of men over 65 years) are living with dementia. As life expectancy increases worldwide, this number is estimated to rise to 78 million by 2030 and to 139 million by 2050. 

To drive change, the report highlights the urgent need to strengthen support at national level, for both people with dementia and those who care for them. Many countries lack earmarked funding in national health budgets, leaving significant gaps in treatment and care, and do not comprehensively involve people with dementia and their carers and families in developing policies. These are among the areas for change.  

WHO is also developing a Dementia Research Blueprint, to structure research efforts and stimulate new initiatives, helping to overcome challenges related to past unsuccessful clinical trials for treatments and the high costs of research and development.