Every 3 seconds, someone in the world develops dementia, which, according to new statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), is the seventh leading cause of death in the world. Alzheimer's disease (NA), but also dementia in general, is an unbearable social health problem.
The above points out the Panhellenic Federation of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders, on the occasion of September 21st / World Alzheimer's Disease Day and September, which has been established as World Disease Month. The aim is to inform the citizens so that they learn to identify the symptoms of dementia, but also not to forget their loved ones who live with the disease.
According to new research data from the World Alzheimer's Disease Society (ADI), 41 million cases of dementia worldwide have not been diagnosed. This, combined with new developments in the treatment of dementia, could lead to an increase in Alzheimer's diagnoses worldwide, putting pressure on countries' unprepared healthcare systems, according to ADI.
Data from ADI's annual 2021 “Journey to Diagnosis of Dementia” survey, conducted by McGill University in Canada, show that 75% of people with dementia go undiagnosed worldwide, compared with 90% in other countries. low to middle income. Also, according to the WHO, half of the countries should have diagnosed 50% of people living with dementia. However, according to ADI data, diagnosis rates are just over 25% in middle-income countries and 10% in low-income countries. Finally, 90% of doctors experienced delays and long waits for diagnosis due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, only one in three people with dementia had access to a doctor during the pandemic.
According to new WHO statistics, dementia is the seventh leading cause of death in the world. At the same time, stigma regarding the disease still exists and is a significant obstacle regarding its diagnosis. The Alzheimer's World Report reveals that one in three doctors report that nothing can be done, thus making the diagnosis futile. Paola Barbarino, CEO of ADI, says lack of awareness and stigma is hampering efforts to support people living with dementia.
New drug for Alzheimer's disease
In terms of treatment, a new drug treatment for Alzheimer's disease first appeared in the US, and the FDA has conditionally approved the use of aducanumab for patients in the early stages. At the same time, however, people with undiagnosed dementia worldwide do not have access to treatment developments. In addition, blood biomarkers will be available in the future, greatly facilitating the diagnosis of dementia and making it clearer than ever.
According to Serge Gauthier, a fellow professor at McGill University and author of the Alzheimer's Global Report, the new diagnostic tools will put significant pressure on countries' health systems to diagnose dementia.
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