Dementia is currently the 5th leading NCD cause of death globally, and recently published data suggests it will be the 3rd overall cause of death by 2040. Prevalence forecasts indicate an increase from 55 million to 139 million by 2050, and an annual economic cost expected to reach $2.8 trillion USD by 2030.

Alzheimer’s Disease International strongly welcomes the inclusion of dementia in the zero Draft of the political declaration ahead of the 4th UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs this September.

Research suggests that up to 45% of cases of dementia could be delayed, progression slowed, or even prevented by tackling 14 modifiable risk factors, many of which are shared with other leading NCDs.

Post-diagnostic support remains an area for vast improvement, accordingly ADI strongly supports the scaling up of the availability and provision of psychosocial, psychological and pharmacological treatments for those living with dementia.