The number of cases of Alzheimer’s disease is set to treble by 2050, according to the peak dementia research group, Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI).

The number of cases of Alzheimer’s disease is set to treble by 2050, according to the peak dementia research group, Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI). ADI, which will brief G8 nations at a special conference in London on Wednesday, estimates that there will be 135 million people living with dementia in 2050, up from the current number of 76 million. It is calling on governments to develop comprehensive policies to prepare for the dramatic increase:

“The absence of dementia public policy renders governments woefully unprepared for the dementia epidemic and there is an urgent need for a collaborative, global action plan for governments, industry and non-profit organisations like Alzheimer associations.”

There are also concerns about ability of poorer countries to deal with the epidemic. According to the briefing, over two-thirds (71%) of people with dementia will be living in low- and middle-income countries. The researchers stress that while funding for dementia research is crucial, there is an equally important need for good quality care and support for caregivers. Priority must also be given to policymaking, development of health and social care services, and health systems.

Xavier Symons
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Michael Cook

Michael Cook edits BioEdge, a bioethics newsletter, and MercatorNet, an on-line magazine whose focus is human dignity. He writes from Sydney, Australia.

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