September 21 marks World Alzheimer’s Day, a date established since 1994 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Alzheimer’s Federation.
The objective is to disseminate information about the disease so that, in this way, the support and solidarity of the population, institutions and official organizations is requested in the face of this condition that mostly affects older adults.
Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, affecting memory and other cognitive functions, as well as the ability to perform daily tasks.
According to the WHO, the number of people living with dementia is growing, precisely more than 55 million people (8.1% of women and 5.4% of men over 65 years of age). In turn, it is estimated that this figure will increase to 78 million by 2030 and 139 million by 2050.
According to agency reports, the disability associated with dementia is a key factor in the costs related to this disease. In 2019, the global cost of dementia was estimated at US$1.3 trillion. The cost is projected to rise to $1.7 trillion by 2030, or $2.8 trillion when rising costs of care are taken into account.
The care needed by people with dementia includes primary health care, specialist care, community services, rehabilitation, long-term care and palliative care.
Although the majority of nations (89%) reporting to the WHO Global Dementia Observatory say they provide some community-based dementia services, the level of provision is higher in high-income countries than in low-income countries. and media. Dementia medication, hygiene products, assistive technologies and home adaptations are also more accessible in high-income countries, with a higher level of reimbursement, than in low-income countries.
In low- and middle-income countries, the majority of dementia care costs are attributable to informal caregiving (65%). In richer countries, the costs of informal care and social assistance each account for approximately 40%.
