Dementia is a syndrome, usually of a chronic or progressive nature, that leads to deterioration in cognitive function beyond what might be expected from normal aging. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it affects memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, calculation, learning capacity, language, and judgment. It is a major cause of disability and dependency among older people globally.
The WHO reports that more than 55 million people live with dementia worldwide, with nearly 10 million new cases every year. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form, contributing to 60-70% of cases. Dementia results from a variety of diseases and injuries that affect the brain, such as Alzheimer's or stroke.
While age is the strongest known risk factor, dementia is not an inevitable consequence of aging. There is no cure for most types of dementia, but treatments can help manage symptoms. Risk reduction focuses on a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, not smoking, avoiding harmful use of alcohol, controlling weight, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining healthy blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
Early diagnosis is crucial to optimize physical health, cognition, activity, and well-being, and to allow for planning and management. The global cost of dementia was estimated at over $1.3 trillion in 2019 and is projected to rise significantly by 2030, posing a substantial challenge to health and social care systems.
