Fact Sheet - Statistics
Key facts - WHO, 2017
- Dementia is a syndrome in which there is deterioration in memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday activities.
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Although dementia mainly affects older people, it is not a normal part of ageing.
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Worldwide, around 50 million people have dementia, and there are nearly 10 million new cases every year.
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Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and may contribute to 60–70% of cases.
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Dementia is one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people worldwide.
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Dementia has a physical, psychological, social, and economical impact, not only on people with dementia, but also on their carers, families and society at large.