New report on Alzheimer's disease points to need for early intervention
Early-stage Alzheimer's disease interventions could be more effective if started even earlier, according to a new report on the condition published by Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI), the international federation of 76 Alzheimer associations worldwide that acts as rapporteur to the World Health Organization (WHO). The World Alzheimer Report 2011 'The Benefits of Early Diagnosis and Intervention' seeks to encourage governments to promote early detection among physicians and health care professionals of dementia. The report also focuses on the economic benefits, with estimates showing that earlier diagnosis could save over EUR 7,000 per patient in high-income countries. The researchers working on the report, led by a team from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London, were commissioned by ADI to undertake the research. This is the first time a body of work has brought together a comprehensive review of all evidence on early diagnosis and early intervention for dementia. At the moment there exists a 'treatment gap', as the majority of patients are diagnosed late in the game, meaning a significant amount of treatment time has been lost already. This greatly impedes their access to valuable information, treatment, care and support. There are also significant knock-on effects for families, carers, communities and health professionals. Lead author of the report, Professor Martin Prince from King's College, comments: 'There is no single way to close the treatment gap worldwide. What is clear is that every country needs a national dementia strategy that promotes early diagnosis and a continuum of care thereafter. Primary care services, specialist diagnostic and treatment centres and community-based services all have a part to play, but to differing degrees depending upon resources.' The report finds that as many as three-quarters of the estimated 36 million people worldwide living with dementia have not been diagnosed and are therefore not benefiting from treatment. In high-income countries, only 20 % to 50 % of dementia cases are recognised and documented in primary care, and in low- and middle-income countries, this proportion is thought to be as low as 10 %. But why does dementia keep falling under the radar? The researchers believe that failure to diagnose the condition can stem from the false belief that dementia is a normal or natural part of ageing and that nothing can be done to reverse the process. However, these new findings focus on the interventions that can in fact make a difference, meaning it is never too early to start proper treatment, as it is most effective in the first stages of the illness. The report describes how drugs and psychological interventions for people with early-stage dementia can improve cognition, independence, and quality of life, while support and counselling for carers can improve mood, reduce strain and delay the institutionalisation of people with dementia. 'Failure to diagnose Alzheimer's in a timely manner represents a tragic missed opportunity to improve the quality of life for millions of people,' says ADI Chairwoman Dr. Daisy Acosta. 'It only adds to an already massive global health, social, and fiscal challenge.' The ADI believes every country should have a national Alzheimer's and dementia strategy that emphasises the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. According to figures from ADI, the number of people with dementia is forecast to nearly double every 20 years -from 36 million in 2010 to 115 million in 2050 - meaning the need for early intervention has never been greater.For more information, please visit:Alzheimer's Disease International:http://www.alz.co.uk/
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