Alzheimer's Disease Prevalence

It is estimated that the worldwide prevalence of Alzheimer's disease will increase drastically within the next 40- 50 years, which will cause a lot of concern for families, governments and the healthcare system of the country.

The 2009 World Alzheimer Report, released by Alzheimer's Disease International, a nonprofit federation of 71 national Alzheimer organizations, estimates that the global prevalence of dementia, predicted to be more than 35 million in 2010, will almost double every 20 years to 65.7 million in 2030 and 115.4 million in 2050.

This report shows the need for government's nation wide to make Alzheimer's disease and other related disease a priority and expand and focus on research that can provide a solution for this disease. Countries in the developed world should invest more on research facilities in comparison to developing countries.

It is important for governments and communities in the world to create awareness of the Alzheimer's disease. There are several developing countries that universally dedicate the year for those who suffer from Alzheimer's disease, as a tribute.

The prevalence of patients with Alzheimer's disease in the regions of Asia, Africa, and South America show a 10% increase. Reports show that individuals with Alzheimer's disease, dementia and related diseases, come from low and middle class income countries, however, the number of cases is expected to rise.

Other high class income countries enjoy a longer life expectancy due to better healthcare facilities and awareness.

"The prevalence is increasing because the population is aging and people are living to an older age, but also because people are more aware of the illness and we are becoming better able to identify who is demented and who is not in these countries," said John M. Ringman, MD, assistant director, Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer's Disease Research, and associate clinical professor, Department of Neurology, University of California-Los Angeles.

Here are some of the recommendations made by researchers on the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease,

Access and better facilities for patients suffering from related illness, especially patients in the rural communities

Provide cultural support, i.e. language and respect of certain customs and tradition while offering the proper treatment and awareness. Some ethnic groups may find the approach offensive and unproductive due to ignorance.

Focus and accelerate the research process. Increase the investment into research and investing in state of the art technology may help increase the chances of finding a cure for Alzheimer's disease and other related diseases.

Reduce the stigma associated with the disease among communities and people all over the world. This disease is not taboo and should not affect the patients' social status, and caste.

The Alzheimer's Association is the pioneer health organization that has dedicated itself to finding preventive methods, treatment and the ultimate cure for Alzheimer's.

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