How many people have dementia?
The world’s population is ageing. Currently there are an estimated 30 million people worldwide with dementia. Two thirds of them live in developing countries. This figure is set to increase to more than 100 million people by 2050. Much of this increase will be in rapidly developing and heavily populated regions such as China, India and Latin America. Dementia primarily affects older people. Up to the age of 65, dementia develops in only about 1 person in 1000. The chance of having the condition rises sharply with age to 1 person in 20 over the age of 65. Over the age of 80, this figure increases to 1 person in 5. • 10/66 Dementia Research Group • Factsheet: ‘The prevalence of dementia’. • Factsheet: ‘Reasons for prevalence studies’. • Factsheet: ‘Caring for people with dementia around the world’. back to top Home | About Alzheimer’s | Find help | About ADI | Media | Research Page updated: 17 Sep 2008.
The chance of developing dementia increases with age. However, dementia is not a natural process of aging and it does not affect everyone. For example, less than 2% of people ages 65-69 have dementia (Kuhn, 2003). The risk of developing dementia increases the longer a person lives. The percentage of people showing the signs of Alzheimer’s disease increases with age: • 3% of those 65-74 • 19% of those 75-84 • 47% for those 85 and over(Kuhn, 2003) Disease Duration: Short-term vs. Long-term Dementia Short-term: Treatable and often completely reversible. Causes include depression, alcoholism, medication effects and interactions, and poor nutrition. Treatment involves addressing the underlying condition. Long-term: Result from progressive diseases, trauma, or strokes. More common than short-term dementia. Reversible vs. Progressive Forms of Dementia Reversible: May go away with treatment, for example, dementia caused by a curable infection Progressive: Gets worse over time, leading to perma
• Medi-Cal Dementia CareMiddle Class Qualifies for Dementia Nursing Home Care! Free DVD. www.NhsCare.comCalifornia • Alzheimer’s AssociationEverything you need to know about Alzheimer’s and dementia. www.alz.org • DementiaSimple Tests For Dementia Free Johns Hopkins Health Alert www.JohnsHopkinsHealthAlerts.com • Alzheimer’s and DementiaLearn about the connection between Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia www.EverydayHealth.com • DementiaSymptoms, Causes & Treatments. Dementia Information Online. www.healthline.com • How ManyGo To Ask.com For Simple & Fast Answers To All Your Questions. www.ask.
