Ageing gracefully: diversity of dementia

Overview

Dementia is an umbrella term for several diseases that are mostly progressive, affecting memory, other cognitive abilities and behaviour that interfere significantly with a person’s ability to maintain the activities of daily life. In 2015, dementia affected 47 million people worldwide, and is predicted to increase to 75 million in 2030 and 132 million by 2050. Dementia has several implications for the South-East Asia Region, nearly 60% of people with dementia currently live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and the majority (71%) of new cases is also expected to occur in LMICs. Evidence shows nearly 90% of people with dementia in LMICs do not receive any diagnosis, treatment or care. This publication on dementia is focused on improving dementia awareness, reducing stigma and accelerating focus on risk reduction by promoting a better understanding of dementia, including respect for human rights of people living with dementia.