Dementia Information: NUMBERS OF PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA INCREASING

Dementia Information

Monday, December 26, 2005

NUMBERS OF PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA INCREASING

The latest issue of the Lancet reports that worldwide "a new case of dementia arises every seven seconds with the number of people with dementia set to double every 20 years." Most of these people live in developing countries with China and the European Union currently having 5 million each and the U.S. with 2.9 million. These figures include all types of dementia, and speak to the importance of all countries planning for the increases in the numbers of people with dementia. The U.S. is facing a surge in numbers because of the aging of the baby boomers, since age is the biggest risk factor for getting some type of dementia--a 1 in 3 chance after age 85--which researchers are saying is getting closer to a 1 in 2 chance.

Alzheimer's Disease International is an international federation made up of 75 Alzheimer associations around the world and is based in London. This federation works closely with the World Health Organization to compile data such as this on the prevalence of dementia worldwide. They help coordinate events for World Alzheimer's Day celebrated every September 21st, as well as produce and distribute written materials on dementia for use worldwide.

posted by Cindy Keith # 7:46 AM

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Monday, December 26, 2005

NUMBERS OF PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA INCREASING

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