World Alzheimer Report 2018 lays out facts regarding the global impact of dementia.
A new case of Alzheimer’s is being diagnosed every three seconds worldwide, but lack of research in the field and its incurability suggests the global impact will triple in coming decades. Cases are estimated to triple to 152 million by 2050. The report also predicts costs of treatment in the US alone will double to at least $2 trillion by 2030.
Many countries are not conducting sufficient research to reduce the number of cases despite it being the number one killer disease. Around 66% of patients being diagnosed are from low to middle income countries, and is said to increase to 72% by 2050.
Alzheimer’s Disease International claims
“It kills more people in the US than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.”
The ‘magic pill’ developed to combat symptoms only reduces the impact of dementia slightly, putting the health of millions in jeopardy, but the onset of the disease can be delayed.
Over 100 trial medications have been developed since 1998, but only 4 have been approved for treatment, making both treatment and diagnosis more difficult.
Dementia is most commonly found in the form of Alzheimer’s, destroying cells and nerves in the brain to disrupt transmitters carrying messages or storing memories. Early or younger onset dementia develops in about 1 out of every 1000 below the age of 65 and is part of a neurologically degenerative process, becoming more and more common globally.
The lack of research, combined with the growing number of cases means dementia is possibly one of the biggest threats we face. An increase in awareness surrounding the illness however, could bring about necessary development in reaching a cure.