WHO: Dementia cases worldwide will triple by 2050

[April 11, 2012]  GENEVA (AP) -- The World Health Organization says the number of dementia cases globally is set to triple by 2050.

The U.N. health agency says 35.6 million people worldwide currently live with dementia.

It says that figure will double to 65.7 million by 2030 and reach 115.4 million in 2050.

The Geneva-based WHO says the share of dementia cases in low- and middle-income nations will rise to over 70 percent by 2050 as those countries see surges in their older populations.

In a report published Wednesday the agency said just eight countries have national programs to address dementia, a brain illness that affects memory, behavior and the ability to perform even common tasks.

The report recommends better support for caregivers, who are usually relatives of those with dementia.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.