Dementia is the seventh leading cause of death globally, yet access to information, services, support, and care is deeply uneven, especially for people living in low- and middle-income countries. The number of people living with dementia is expected to rise from 55 million in 2019 to 139 million in 2050, with associated costs projected to increase from US$1.3 trillion to US$2.8 trillion by 2030.
The WHO Global action plan on dementia, adopted in 2017, aims to improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers through a series of seven action areas with defined targets. However, progress has been slow, with only 39 WHO member states (around 27%) having national dementia plans as of May 2022, falling short of the target of 146 plans (75% of member states) by 2025.
Key challenges include the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on diagnosis, care, and research, as well as political and economic factors hindering policy prioritization. The pandemic has exacerbated existing disparities, highlighting the need for crisis support and humanitarian response to be factored into national dementia plans.
Despite the challenges, there are positive examples of national plans in development and innovative initiatives to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and improve care. However, more urgent action is needed to meet the WHO targets and ensure people with dementia receive equitable access to prevention, diagnosis, care, and support. The ADI #WhatsYourPlan campaign aims to support governments in developing and implementing national dementia plans, with 40 countries currently participating.
The report emphasizes the importance of investing in dementia research and risk reduction, including both disease-modifying treatments and care interventions. Collaboration between governments, civil society, and researchers is crucial to address the complex challenges posed by dementia and improve the lives of people affected by the condition.
