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A WHO report says that dementia, caused by a variety of diseases and injuries that affect the brain, such as Alzheimer’s or a stroke, affects more than 55 million people. people and this is becoming a “global public health problem”.
That number could rise to 78 million by 2030 and 139 million by 2050 as society ages.
Yet only a quarter of the world has a national strategy to support people with dementia and their families, the WHO said.
Half of these countries are in Europe and the rest in various other regions of the world.
Dementia usually affects people 65 and older, but it can also affect younger people 30 to 40 years old.
There is no cure for this disease, but studies show about 40 percent. cases could be prevented or delayed by practicing a healthy lifestyle.
Risk factors include depression, low education, social isolation, and lack of cognitive stimulation.
WHO spokeswoman for mental health and substance abuse Katrin Seeher told reporters that more than 60 percent of people with dementia live in low- and middle-income countries.
“We especially need to close the gap between high, low and middle income countries, as well as between urban and rural areas,” he said.
Many people, mostly women, have to give up other activities and engage in “informal care”, that is, caring for loved ones with dementia without receiving any professional help.
“Care programs and services should be designed and funded to reduce the burden on informal caregivers and other caregivers,” Seeher said.
In its report, the WHO said that the cost of dementia in 2019 was $ 1.3 trillion. AMERICAN DOLLAR.
“Expenditures are projected to reach 1.7 trillion by 2030.” $ 2.8 trillion, when you factor in rising maintenance costs, “the report said.
