Dementia numbers to double every twenty years

22 September 2009

MEDIA RELEASE

Dementia numbers to double every twenty years

A new report says the prevalence of dementia worldwide is expected to nearly double every 20 years, backing up New Zealand figures for the rise of this debilitating disease.

The World Alzheimer Report 2009, released this week by Alzheimer’s Disease International in conjunction with World Alzheimer’s Day, which was on Monday 21 September, also reports the number of people with dementia worldwide has risen to over 35 million, up from 24 million in 2001.

The Alzheimers New Zealand Dementia Economic Impact Report 2008 estimates 74,821 people will have dementia by 2026 and 146,699 by 2050. Currently, 40,746
New Zealanders have dementia. Worldwide, 115 million people are predicted to have dementia by 2050.

The significant worldwide rise in numbers is due, in part, to new research into lower socio-economic countries where dementia has not previously been recorded.

However, developed nations will also see a growth in figures due to an ageing population combined with the growing prevalence of the disease, says Alzheimers New Zealand national director Johan Vos.

Vos says, despite the grassroots care Alzheimers New Zealand provides to people with dementia and their carers and families, there is still a stigma around the disease in this country.

“We work hard to de-stigmatise dementia through our 23 local organisations. They are there with open arms to help people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and their families.”

He says the growing figures released internationally are reflective of New Zealand’s rates of dementia.

“We are looking at a growth rate of about 200 percent every twenty years and our figures are conservative. It is recommended in Alzheimer’s Disease International’s report that high income countries develop dementia action plans which reflect the progressive nature of dementia. We want to follow in Australia’s footsteps and make dementia a national health priority,’ says Vos.

ENDS

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