WHO cites need for early diagnosis of dementia

MANILA, Philippines - Close to 35.6 million people live with dementia worldwide and the World Health Organization (WHO) is expecting this to triple or to reach 115.4 million by 2030.

In a statement, the WHO said that annually, some $604 billion is being spent for the treatment and care of people with dementia. 

“This includes the cost of providing health and social care as well the reduction or loss of income of people with dementia and their caregivers,” it said.

WHO describes dementia as a “syndrome, usually of a chronic nature, caused by a variety of brain illnesses that affect memory, thinking, behavior and ability to perform everyday activities.”

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and possibly contributes to up to 70 percent of cases. Although dementia affects people in all countries, 58 percent of cases live in low- and middle-income countries and this is likely to rise to more than 70 percent by 2050.

WHO noted that only eight countries worldwide have “national programs” to address dementia.

The agency maintained that lack of diagnosis is a “major problem.” Even in high-income countries, only one-fifth to one-half of cases of dementia are routinely recognized. When a diagnosis is made, it often comes at a relatively late stage of the disease.

Dr. Oleg Chestnov, WHO assistant director-general for non-communicable diseases and mental health, said there is a “need to increase our capacity to detect dementia early and to provide the necessary health and social care. Much can be done to decrease the burden of dementia.”

“Health care workers are often not adequately trained to recognize dementia,” Chestnov said.

Marc Wortmann, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Disease International, said public awareness about dementia, “its symptoms, the importance of getting a diagnosis, and the help available for those with the condition is very limited.”

“It is now vital to tackle the poor levels of public awareness and understanding, and to drastically reduce the stigma associated with dementia,” Wortmann said.