Dementia

"In the next 30 years, the number of people with dementia is set to triple" In a report published on May 14, 2019, the WHO released the latest numbers on dementia incidence, along with their recommendations on how to fight it. One key tip? Adopt a healthy lifestyle.

The stats
There are 50 million people suffering from dementia in the world today, and 10 million new cases are reported every year. The total number of sufferers is estimated to reach 82 million in 2030 and 152 million by 2050. And it is not just the elderly who are affected – 9% of cases concern early-onset dementia.

The facts
Dementia causes long-term changes in one or many cognitive or behavioural functions, and there is currently no treatment to cure it or even control its evolution.

What does the WHO advise?
Studies have shown that there is a link between the development of cognitive disorders and risk factors concerning modern lifestyle habits. These risk factors include lack of physical activity, obesity, poor diet, smoking, alcohol abuse, diabetes, and hypertension. To reduce the risks, therefore, we should all get regular exercise and lead healthy lifestyles.