1. Dementia : A growing global issue
Dr Mary Tilki
Associated Country Women of the World Conference 2016

2. Dementia : A growing global issue
A growing issue for women especially
Populations are ageing worldwide
Increasing life span increases dementia risk
Lifestyle factors also add to risk
Longevity (and dementia) already present in high income societies
Populations ageing faster in low and middle income countries (with rising dementia)

3. What is dementia ?
Umbrella term for symptoms of memory and cognitive decline
Causes decline in ability to do daily activities
Alzheimer’s Disease, Vascular Dementia, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, mixed types
Incidence increases with age(mainly over 65)
Growing rates under 65, (NB migrants/Roma)
Can affect behaviour, judgement, vision, mobility

4. Where are the people with dementia?
37% people live with dementia in high income societies
63% people live with dementia in low and middle income societies
Rates will double in Europe and North America by 2050
Rates will triple in Asia by 2050
Rates will quadruple in Latin America and Africa by 2050

5. Dementia and women Live longer, greater risk of dementia
More likely to live alone in old age
Greater risk due to oestrogen loss
Lack of education also increases risk
More likely to care for family members
More likely to be in caring professions
Chains of care – women leave developing countries for care work

6. Dementia (un)awareness
Public awareness & understanding poor
No word for dementia in many languages
Seen as “normal” part of ageing
Fear, stigma and shame widespread
Seen as hopeless, incurable, irreversible
Perceive people with dementia have no capacity to make decisions
Believe people with dementia need protection

7. Challenging misunderstanding
Dementia is a disorder of brain function
Dementia affects everybody differently
Memory, cognition can fluctuate
People retain many skills and abilities
Worsened by stress, tiredness, unfamiliarity
Can function well in early stages, learn to adapt, adjust and cope
Memory loss can be slowed / improved
People with dementia are still “people”

8. Benefits of early diagnosis
It may not be dementia, may be treatable
Drugs may help slow Alzheimer’s Disease
Diagnosis opens doors to support, therapy
Person/family can get information, learn ways of adapting, supporting
Time to build support networks, care “team”, engage wider community
Allow to plan for future, advanced directives, power of attorney etc.

9. Prevention, risk reduction
The earlier the better, but never too late!
Manage hypertension and diabetes
Stop smoking
Reduce weight
Increase physical activity
Expand active social engagement
Challenge the brain! Use it or lose it!

10. Living well with dementia
Remain socially active, engaged, talk about it.
Retain as much continuity as possible
Avoid negative language, focus on strengths
Adjust expectations, adapt home, lifestyle
Learn coping skills, manage risk, accept help
Engage in stimulating activities e.g. volunteering
Maintain or increase physical activity
Dementia friendly communities, businesses, public services, places of worship, -

11. Useful links https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/
Contact :