Dementia: health crisis of the century

Dementia: health crisis of the century – World Alzheimer’s Day

Alzheimers New Zealand is urging the community and government to recognise dementia as the most serious health crisis to be faced this century.

In New Zealand today 43,000 people have dementia, with this set to rise to 64,000 by 2026 and to 146,000 by 2050. In 2050, the number of people newly diagnosed with dementia will exceed the amount of people with the disease in New Zealand currently.

Dementia is a progressive neurological disease which affects cognitive function, communication, personality, independence and quality of life. There is no cure. Around half of all New Zealanders with dementia live with family carers, many who provide around-the-clock care with limited government support.

The World Alzheimer Report 2010, released by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) today on World Alzheimer’s Day, 21 September 2010, says dementia is the single most significant health and social crisis of the 21st century. Governments around the world are “woefully unprepared” for the tsunami of dementia cases, says chairperson of ADI, Dr. Daisy Acosta.

The worldwide cost of dementia will exceed 1% of global GDP in 2010, at US$604 billion. The number of people with dementia worldwide is set to more than triple by 2050. These costs are attributed to informal care provided by family and community, as well as to residential care.

Alzheimers New Zealand’s Dementia Economic Impact Report 2008 says by delaying entry of people with dementia into residential care by three months, a $62 million saving is made.

In May this year Alzheimers New Zealand released its National Dementia Strategy, received in Parliament by Hon Tony Ryall. The Strategy urges the government to join Australia and the United Kingdom in making dementia a national health priority and to increase funding to cope with the 200 per cent increase in New Zealanders with dementia every 20 years. The Strategy also calls for appropriate residential and respite care, carer support, training for health professionals, an increase in funding for research and increased awareness to promote early diagnosis.

Today local Alzheimers New Zealand organisations will host events around the country to inform their communities of the toll dementia takes, as well as promoting their support, education and advocacy services.

ENDS

© Scoop Media