Dementia, a debilitating brain syndrome affecting memory, behaviour, and emotion, is an ever-growing global concern. With over 10 million new cases emerging each year, someone develops this syndrome every 3.2 seconds.
In 2020, the number of people worldwide affected by dementia reached a staggering 55 million, and experts predict a drastic escalation in the coming years. Projections indicate that this number will double every 20 years, resulting in approximately 78 million cases by 2030 and a staggering 139 million cases by 2050.
Developing countries are expected to bear the brunt of this increase, as 60% of existing cases occur in low to middle income countries. Factors such as population aging, particularly in countries like China, India, South Asia, and the western Pacific region, contribute to this trend.
Improved healthcare has led to longer and healthier lives, resulting in a larger elderly population. Since dementia predominantly affects the elderly, the number of cases is poised to rise significantly. Furthermore, it has been discovered that dementia can also impact individuals under the age of 65.
The economic repercussions of dementia are immense. Most individuals with dementia require daily assistance, involving unpaid care from family members, professional social care in facilities like residential homes, and medical expenses for treatment. In 2015, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated the global cost of dementia at US$ 818 billion. Today, that figure has surged to over US$ 1.3 trillion, with projections indicating a staggering rise to US$ 2.8 trillion by 2030.
To put it into perspective, if the economic burden of dementia were a country, it would rank as the world’s 14th largest economy. The financial strain and societal impact of this syndrome cannot be overstated, necessitating urgent attention and global efforts to address this pressing challenge.
