Time to Act on Dementia, Time to Act on Alzheimer’s
Dementia is the 7th leading cause of death, globally and every three seconds, someone develops the condition. Globally there are estimated to over 55 million people living with the condition today, in just over 5 years this figure is set to increase to 78 million and rise to 139 million by 2050. These increases also have an economic consequence, currently the estimated annual cost of dementia is $1.3 trillion USD but by 2030, the cost is expected to over double to $2.8 trillion USD.
Low awareness levels, plus stigma, discrimination and misinformation surrounding the condition remain a significant barrier to ameliorate these increases says ADI CEO Paola Barbarino
“Low awareness levels, enduring stigma, misinformation and discrimination hamper efforts to address the condition, meaning many ignore the warning signs of the condition. Currently 75% of those living with the condition do so undiagnosed. With a timely diagnosis, people living with the condition can access post-diagnostic support to enable them to live well and independently with the condition for longer, however including those undiagnosed we know that 85% of people living with dementia are not receiving post-diagnostic support. This is a time bound condition and every second counts.”
The hashtags #TimeToActOnDementia and #TimeToActOnAlzheimers will be used throughout September to rally global attention and encourage proactive steps toward better understanding, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive care for those living with dementia.
Governments’ Role: The Time is Now
Governments also have a crucial role to play, but time is slipping away. While 39 countries have developed National Dementia Plans, many lack comprehensive strategies that address the stigma and support those living with dementia and their caregivers. Moreover, of the 194 World Health Organization Member States that committed to do so back in 2017, 155 countries have not even implemented a plan. Far too much time has elapsed without definitive action.
ADI and Ligue Nationale Alzheimer Liga ASBL/VZW/VOG are calling for these plans to be urgently expanded to include robust public awareness campaigns and initiatives that foster inclusive and supportive communities.
Living with Dementia
More often than not, the people most affected by the stigma, misinformation and discrimination are in fact those living with the condition and their families.
« So often, those living with dementia tell us they wish they had known more about the condition earlier and that their communities were better equipped to support them. We hear their experiences daily, from accusations of witchcraft, through to abandonment by family and relatives; stigma has real world consequences » continues Barbarino, « This World Alzheimer’s Month, we are saying loud and clear: it’s time to act on dementia. Every moment counts. »