The theme for World Alzheimer’s Day? 2010 is ‘Dementia. It’s time for action!’
The International Federation of Social Workers joins those around the world who are are involved in focusing on the need for governments and the general public to take any action they can to raise awareness of dementia and improve service provision for people with dementia and their caregivers/carers.
Every year on 21 September Alzheimer Disease Associations from across the globe unite to recognize World Alzheimer’s Day in many ways and 2010 is no exception with events taking place internationally.Take a moment and follow the link below to find out about activities in your are find out about events for World Alzheimer’s Day 2010 around the world.
Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), supported by member associations around the world, today will launch the World Alzheimer Report 2010.
The report highlights the economic impact of dementia worldwide giving an idea of the financial impact the disease is having on societies.Some other key findings from the World Alzheimer Report are :
- Worldwide costs of dementia will exceed 1% of global GDP in 2010 – at US$604 billion. About 70% of the costs occur in Western Europe and North America.
- If dementia care were a country, it would be the world’s 18th largest economy. If it were a company, it would be the world’s largest by annual revenue exceeding Wal-Mart (US$414 billion) and Exxon Mobil (US$311 billion).
- The number of people with dementia will double by 2030, and more than triple by 2050
- The costs of caring for people with dementia will rise faster than the prevalence. Costs of informal care and the direct costs of social care generally contribute similar proportions of total costs, while the direct medical costs are much lower.
- Countries report that Alzheimer’s disease is one of the costliest illnesses, yet research and investment are at a significantly lower level compared to other major illnesses.
IFSW President Gary Bailey,MSW,ACSW said:
“IFSW joins with those around the world today who are encouraging the involvement of people from across the globe and the media’s coverage of these global events will make a real difference for people with dementia, their families and caregivers/carers worldwide.The financial impact of this disease on families and communities is overwhelming and must be dealt with especially as we anticipate the increased need for care from the large number of individuals who were born between 1946-1964, the so called “Baby Boom” generation or as others have referred to it the “silver tsunami generation” which will be greatly impacted.”