Alzheimer’s disease may account for 70% of dementia cases - WHO

The World Health Organisation says Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and may contribute to 60–70 percent of cases.

WHO said this in commemoration of the World Alzheimer’s Day observed on September 21.

The UN agency says dementia is a syndrome in which there is deterioration in memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday activities.

It stated that around 50 million people have dementia globally, and there are nearly 10 million new cases every year.

“Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and may contribute to 60–70 percent of cases. Dementia is one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people worldwide.

“Dementia has a physical, psychological, social, and economic impact, not only on people with dementia, but also on their carers, families and society at large.”

WHO added that dementia results from a variety of diseases and injuries that primarily or secondarily affect the brain, such as Alzheimer’s disease or stroke.

“Dementia is one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people worldwide. It can be overwhelming, not only for the people who have it, but also for their carers and families.

The UN agency noted that other major forms of dementia include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies (abnormal aggregates of protein that develop inside nerve cells), and a group of diseases that contribute to frontotemporal dementia (degeneration of the frontal lobe of the brain).

It said the early stage of dementia is often overlooked, because the onset is gradual and the common symptoms include forgetfulness, losing track of the time and becoming lost in familiar places.

“As dementia progresses to the middle stage, the signs and symptoms become clearer and more restricting. These include: becoming forgetful of recent events and people’s names, becoming lost at home, having increasing difficulty with communication, needing help with personal care, experiencing behaviour changes, including wandering and repeated questioning.

“The late stage of dementia is one of near total dependence and inactivity. Memory disturbances are serious and the physical signs and symptoms become more obvious. Symptoms include: becoming unaware of the time and place; having difficulty recognizing relatives and friends; having an increasing need for assisted self-care; having difficulty walking and experiencing behaviour changes that may escalate and include aggression.”

The world health body said there is no treatment currently available to cure dementia or to alter its progressive course but there are numerous new treatments are being investigated in various stages of clinical trials.

“However, much can be offered to support and improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers and families,” it noted.