Dementia cases in the UK are projected to rise by 75% from 907,000 to 1.6 million by 2050, according to new research published in The Lancet Public Health journal. Globally, the number of people living with the condition is expected to treble from 57 million in 2019 to 153 million.
The study, led by Emma Nichols from the University of Washington, USA, attributes the increase primarily to population growth and ageing. However, trends in obesity, high blood sugar, and smoking are also expected to contribute an additional 6.8 million cases worldwide.
Nichols emphasised the importance of prevention: 'We need to focus more on prevention and control of risk factors. Even modest advances in preventing dementia or delaying its progression would pay remarkable dividends.'
The largest regional increases are forecast for north Africa and the Middle East (367%) and eastern sub-Saharan Africa (357%). Previous studies suggest up to 40% of cases could be prevented or delayed by eliminating 12 key risk factors, including social isolation, high blood pressure, air pollution, alcohol abuse, hearing impairment, depression, and diabetes.
Hilary Evans of Alzheimer's Research UK called for 'the same bold, coordinated and ambitious action' used against Covid to be deployed against dementia. Professor Bart De Strooper of the UK Dementia Research Institute added: 'Whilst stacking the odds in your favour with lifestyle choices is advisable, we urgently need more research to find cures.'
