Research Group Reports on Global Impact of Dementia

Alzheimer's Association
Saturday, 15 July 2000

Of an estimated 18 million people worldwide with dementia, more than 11 million live in developing countries

While more than two-thirds (66 percent) of all people with dementia live in developing countries, less than one-tenth of population-based research is directed at these regions, according to Martin J. Prince, MD, MSc, MRCPsych, senior lecturer in Epidemiology at the Institute of Psychiatry and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

To correct this imbalance, Prince formed the 10/66 Dementia Research Group, an international academic partnership that encourages collaborative research in developing countries and between developed and developing countries. His report "Global Impact of Dementia," which describes the 10/66 pilot program and its latest findings, was presented today at World Alzheimer Congress 2000.

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe the loss of cognitive or intellectual function. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia.

The 10/66 research aims to quantify the prevalence and incidence of dementia, describe care arrangements for people with dementia, quantify the impact on caregivers in developing countries and evaluate the effectiveness of newly implemented services.

"Rapid demographic aging in China, India and Latin America, for example, means that there is an urgent need for more research," said Prince. "Policies for the elderly must recognize the massive increase in the number of older people and the problem of dementia in the developing world. At present, the services available in developing countries are very limited."

In the majority of countries and cultures studied, people with dementia live with and are cared for by their families. The 10/66 Dementia Research Group, which conducts its research from twenty centers worldwide, found that Alzheimer's disease has a considerable impact on these families. Caregivers and their families have relatively low incomes, high healthcare costs and very high levels of depression and anxiety.

"While families in developing countries do meet many care needs, their abilities to cope under all circumstances have been overestimated. Sadly, there is ample evidence of distress and suffering experienced by older people with dementia and their caregivers," said Prince.

Another challenge is the lack of awareness and understanding about dementia in developing countries, both in the general population and among healthcare professionals. For example, in India dementia is often perceived as a mere "brain weakness" connected to aging and is infrequently diagnosed by primary healthcare centers.

"It is imperative that people in developing countries learn about dementia and Alzheimer's disease, so that they can, without shame or fear, seek assistance from their local Alzheimer's Association," said Elizabeth Rimmer, executive director of Alzheimer's Disease International.

"The goal of 10/66 Dementia Research Group is to promote quality dementia research throughout the developing world," said Prince. "We hope that these studies will influence policy makers and ultimately offer relief to people with Alzheimer's disease and their families."

For more information, or to contact Alzheimer's Association, see their website at: www.alz.org