Senile dementia is moving from rich countries to poor ones
Alzheimer's disease is receding
This trend was discussed by the world's leading experts at the international conference of the International Association of Alzheimer's Disease (Tech Times, Rate of Alzheimer's diagnosis falling in the U.S., study shows).
A large-scale study conducted in the United States from 1978 to 2006 showed that now dementia in American patients over 60 years of age develops 44% less often than in the late 70s. At the same time, the researchers noted that the age of dementia development has increased: in the 80s, it averaged 80 years, whereas in our time it is 85. German scientists conducted similar work and stated that from 2007 to 2009, the frequency of detection of new cases of Alzheimer's disease significantly decreased in European countries. Thus, there is a natural tendency to decrease the number of new cases of senile dementia in developed countries.
According to experts, the prevalence of senile dementia has decreased largely due to the success of modern medicine in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. Thus, scientists conclude, the development of Alzheimer's disease can be prevented or at least delayed.
At the same time, the conference participants emphasize that in developing and poor countries, the incidence of all forms of senile dementia will only grow in the near future, primarily due to imperfect health and education systems.
A similar forecast was presented in the December report of the International Alzheimer's Disease Association (Alzheimer's Disease International): ADI G8 Policy Briefing reveals 135 million people will live with dementia by 2050.
The report notes that since 2010, the number of patients with Alzheimer's disease worldwide has increased by 17%, reaching 44 million. At the same time, according to experts, by 2050 this figure will grow to 135 million people.
Attention is drawn to the fact that gradually senile dementia will cease to be a disease of residents of rich countries: by 2050, 71% of patients with Alzheimer's disease will live in developing countries.
"This is a global epidemic, and the situation is only getting worse. The number of elderly people suffering from dementia will continue to grow," said ADI Executive Director Marc Wortmann.
Currently, financial losses associated with dementia are estimated at $600 billion (about 1% of global GDP). At the same time, the authors of the report emphasize the unpreparedness of governments for the epidemic: only 13 states have national plans to combat senile dementia.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru17.07.2014