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 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.