The Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) federation claims that the number of dementia cases in the MENA region is increasing at a “shocking” rate.
Dementia “is developing at a pace higher than anyplace else in the globe,” according to ADI CEO Paola Barbarino, in the MENA area, according to an interview with Al Arabiya English.
She said this before September 21st, recognized as World Alzheimer’s Day.
To reduce the consequences of dementia on patients and their families, Barbarano and the non-profit organization she directs are working to increase awareness about dementia and its effects on families.
Memory loss, trouble doing routine tasks, language difficulties, and personality changes are some early indications of dementia, a term used to describe brain illnesses that impact memory, thinking, behavior, and emotion.
Dementia has no known treatment.
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), from 2021, 60 to 70 percent of dementia cases globally are caused by Alzheimer’s disease.
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According to the exact WHO estimate, 139 million people worldwide are expected to be living with dementia by 2050, up from the current 55 million total.
The agency supported by the UN estimates that there are 10 million new cases of dementia each year. It is the eighth most common cause of mortality across all conditions as of 2021.
According to data provided by ADI, projections indicated growth of about 2,000 per cent in some nations by 2050, “particularly those in the MENA region.”
One hundred five countries are currently members of ADI, and 20 more are in the process of joining. According to Barbarino, its guiding principle is to require wealthier nations to contribute to research and care and demand adherence to a national dementia plan.
The WHO’s worldwide plan on dementia calls on nations to create national dementia-friendly policies by 2025. It would also involve raising public awareness and enhancing the standard of medical care, social services, and ongoing support for those with dementia and their families.
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Barbarino stated, “My eventual goal would be to get a large majority of countries to make some commitment towards a dementia action plan, even if it is merely a public health campaign.
According to the CEO, Qatar is the first nation in the Gulf to have a national dementia plan.
Barbarino attributes the lack of rigorous data gathering and funding for Alzheimer’s care programmes to stigma.
Because of stigma, Barbarino claimed, “people just don’t want to talk about it.”
“Many nations continue to hold onto their denial. The stigma is getting worse. I’ve spoken with health ministers in Africa who claim that dementia is nonexistent in their nation, which is absurd. It’s not feasible, she insisted.
According to data provided by ADI, at least 35% of carers worldwide admitted to concealing a family member’s dementia diagnosis.
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