woman with dementia

Adults with dementia predicted to triple by 2050

According to The Global Burden of Disease study, published in The Lancet, dementia cases in adults worldwide will triple to 153 million by 2050.

Researchers estimate there were 57 million adults living with dementia in 2019 and suggest that the drastic increase in the coming years is due to an aging population.

The largest growth is thought to happen in Qatar, with a rise of 1,926 percent, followed by United Arab Emirates which is predicted to rise by 1,795 percent.

The study estimates that in 2019, there were more women with dementia than men, to which experts predict this pattern to continue.

Hilary Evans, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, commented on the study findings to the guardian saying that the figures, “lay bare the shocking scale of dementia across the world”.

She added: “We need to see concerted global action to avoid this number tripling. Dementia doesn’t just affect individuals, it can devastate whole families and networks of friends and loved ones. The heart-breaking personal cost of dementia goes hand in hand with huge economic and societal impacts, strengthening the case to governments across the world to do more to protect lives now and in the future.”

The primary factors thought to be the reason behind the accelerating figures are population growth and ageing but obesity, smoking and high-blood sugar are also risk factors.

The findings include an additional seven million cases in 2050 to account for the effects of high levels of obesity amongst adults and smoking.

900,000 people with dementia in the UK

Lead author, Emma Nichols, from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, said: “To have the greatest impact, we need to reduce exposure to the leading risk factors in each country. For most, this means scaling up locally appropriate, low-cost programmes that support healthier diets, more exercise, quitting smoking, and better access to education.”

National Health Executive, Jan/Feb, Cover

NHE Jan/Feb 22

The pioneering programmes aimed at solving the NHS workforce pressures - starting at the top

This issue highlights the latest topics within the health sector, from pioneering programmes aimed at solving the NHS workforce pressures, treatment to slow the progression of Parkinson's disease, how the UK is leading the way in cancer research & more!

Videos...

View all videos
National Health Executive Presents

National Health Executive Presents

NHE365 Virtual Events

NHE has created a full calendar of events to address the most important issues that influence the delivery of healthcare services. Over 365 days you'll have the opportunity to hear from a range of highly motivating, informative and inspirational speakers. These speakers will equip you with the knowledge and unique insight to enable you to overcome the challenges that you face.

Finger on the Pulse

Ep 14. Health messaging is a science, Professor Craig Jackson

On Episode 14 of NHE's Finger on the Pulse podcast, we're joined by Professor Craig Jackson, Professor of Occupational Health Psychology
Birmingham City University to discuss the coronavirus pandemic, the health messaging around it and how those in power have missed a trick by overlooking the key role of psychology in informing the public of restrictions, measures and the ever-changing situation

More articles...

View all