The Global Impact of Dementia 2013-2050, a policy brief prepared by Alzheimer's Disease[1] International for the upcoming G8 Dementia Summit in London, predicts a shift in the distribution of the global burden of dementia.
While previously, high-income countries witnessed the strongest visible trends, it will now become low- and middle-income countries that will feel the heaviest burden. By 2050, 71 percent of people with dementia will live in low- and middle-income countries, the policy brief said.
The summit, which begins Wednesday, aims to identify and agree to a new international approach to dementia research and policy.
The ADI, along with the Alzheimer's Society in Britain and the Alzheimer's Association[2] in the United States, were invited to attend the meeting in London.
The policy brief also said:
-- The new data showed 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.
-- The best estimates suggest 10 percent of dementia cases might be avoided by improvements in public health. Campaigns that target smoking, under-activity, obesity, hypertension and diabetes should be prioritized, along with education and other cognitive enhancement.
-- The current economic cost of dementia is $604 billion annually (2010).
-- Research must be a global priority to improve the quality and coverage of care, find treatments that alter the course of the disease and identify more options for prevention.
-- Investment into a search for a cure must be balanced with initiatives to improve access to evidence based packages of care.
-- Dementia must be declared a public health priority. Only 13 of 193 World Health Organization countries have national dementia plans in place.
-- All countries, not just those in the G8, must commit to comprehensive plans for collaborative action.
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