Sufferers of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are having an increasing impact on the world economy, estimated to rise to over $601 billion this year, according to a new report published in Alzheimer’s Disease International.
The Chairman of ADI said:
“This is a wake-up call that Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are the single most significant health and social crisis of the 21st century. World governments are woefully unprepared for the social and economic disruptions this disease will cause.”
Yes, you'll be needing that when you get dementia...
The report presents dismal reading for anyone who was hoping that the illness would disappear overnight, highlighting that it’s global costs will account for 1% of global GDP this year, the number of dementia sufferers is estimated to double by 2030 and triple by 2050, and the cost of caring for dementia patients is likely to rise rapidly in future.
The report stresses the need for action by international governments to make dementia a higher priority in budgets by putting more funding behind research projects. Marc Wortmann, Executive director of ADI, said:
“The scale of this crisis cries out for global action. History shows that major diseases can be made manageable – and even preventable – with sufficient global awareness and the political will to make substantial investments in research and care options.”
On the other hand, we could just make dementia illegal. That ought to phase it out pretty quick.
Source: Medical News Today
