Using data to combat dementia: first global monitoring system launched

A web-based platform that will track progress on the provision of services for people with dementia and for those who care for them, the Global Dementia Observatory will monitor the presence of national policy and plans, risk reduction measures and infrastructure for providing care and treatment.  

 

 

This is the first global monitoring system for dementia that includes such a comprehensive range of data. The system will not only enable us to track progress, but just as importantly, to identify areas where future efforts are most needed.
 

Dr Tarun Dua, WHO Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse

The World Health Organization launched the platform, which operates both within countries and globally, warning that the number of people affected by Dementia is set to triple in next 30 years.
As the number of sufferers increase, so to will the cost to the global economy. WHO estimate that globally, the cost of dementia is US$ 818 billion, equivalent to more than 1% of global gross domestic product.

This cost is expected to more than double to US$ 2 trillion, a burden on the economy that could create lasting damage to economic development and overwhelm health and social services. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO commented:

 

 

This is the first global monitoring system for dementia that includes such a comprehensive range of data. The system will not only enable us to track progress, but just as importantly, to identify areas where future efforts are most needed.
 

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO

 

Encouraging a public health response to dementia

Experts are hopeful that results of collecting data will encourage the implementation of the WHO Global action plan on the public health response to dementia 2017–2025, which provides a comprehensive blueprint for action in key areas including:

• dementia awareness and dementia-friendliness
• reducing the risk of dementia
• diagnosis, treatment and care
• research and innovation
• support for dementia carers

It suggests concrete actions that can be taken by policy-makers, health- and social-care providers, civil society organisations and people with dementia and their carers. The plan has been developed with attention to the importance of respecting the human rights of people with dementia and engaging them in planning for their care. Targets against which progress can be measured are included.

Further research still needed

Preliminary results from the programme, which currently includes data from 21 countries has highlighted the need for rapid scale-up of research. There have been some encouraging signs in funding available for investment in research for a cure for dementia in recent years, but much more needs to be done. Research is needed not only to find a cure for dementia, but also in the areas of prevention, risk reduction, diagnosis, treatment and care.

The Observatory will provide a knowledge bank where health and social care authorities, medical professionals, researchers and civil society organisations will be able to find country and regional dementia profiles, global reports, policy guidance, guidelines and toolkits on dementia prevention and care.