World's Figures
In April 2012 the World Health Organisation published estimates of current, ie at dates shown, and predicted growth of dementia in the World, ie again at the dates shown.
Current (2012) 35.6 million
Current (2013) 44.0 million*
Future (2012) In 2030 65.7 million
Future (2013) In 2030 76.0 million*
Future (2012) In 2050 115.4 million
Future (2013) In 2050 135.0 million*
The estimates suggest a rough 20-years doubling of our population who are living with dementia.
Impact
It is almost certain that each of us will be affected by those with dementia. In different parts of the World in the last eight months or so I have had two friends diagnosed with dementia and two others who seem to have memory problems. The impact on their families has been varied.
For instance, it is estimated that in the United Kingdom the 800,000 living with dementia who are or are not diagnosed, will have in some way touched the lives of 40 million of us!
Action Needs for Awareness and Information
You may like to review how different countires are or are planning to deal with the predicted growth. At a basic level an increase in each population's awareness and information about dementia might be needed.
Each country might, for example, develop a cohort of volunteer grassroot or barefoot providers in different contexts, The volunteers could spread ideas, knowledge, and understanding about practical help for families, carers, and of course those on the dementia journey.
*Note: Figures published by Alzheimer's Society on 4 December 2013 - just before the G8 Dementia Conference in London, starting on 11 December 2013.
