Social Care News

Alzheimer's numbers to double by 2030

The number of people with dementia globally is estimated to nearly double every 20 years, according to a report released today (September 21) for World Alzheimer's Day.

The World Alzheimer Report 2010, by Alzheimer's Disease International, estimates there are an estimated 35.6m people curring living with dementia and that number is expected to hit 65.7m by 2030.

According to Professor Martin Prince, of the Centre for Global Mental Health, speaking on the Today Programme, the number currently living with dementia in the UK is 750,000 (a third of these are living in residential care homes) - but that number will follow the worldwide trend and double to 1.5m in the next 20 years.

The report also highlighted the costs of dementia care - both in terms of public funding, private care and family assistance - and estimates that worldwide these are currently 1% of global GDP. According to Prof Prince, "If this was a country it would be the world's 18th largest economy."

The report states that the total worldwide costs of dementia will be US$604 (£400bn) billion in 2010 and about 70% of the costs will occur in Western Europe and North America. The report's authors say: "High income countries are struggling to cope with the demand for services, leaving many people with dementia and caregivers with little or no support.

"Consequently, we urge key decision makers to take notice of this very important document and to work with Alzheimer associations and with ADI to make dementia a national and global health priority."

Click the link - Professor Martin Prince, of the Centre for Global Mental Health, explains the findings:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9018000/9018555.stm