Introduction
The rate of dementia diagnoses has noticeably increased in recent years (Luo et al., 2023; Tsolaki et al., 2022). The cause of the rise in dementia diagnoses and its implications and attendant challenges for the society and healthcare institutions will be explored below.
Factors Affecting the Rise in Dementia Diagnoses
Ageing Population: The ageing population is the main factor that is contributing to the rise in dementia diagnoses. Because of improved living conditions, life expectancy is rising, and with it the prevalence of age-related diseases including dementia. After age 65, the chance of having dementia doubles every five years (Jun Yup Lee et al., 2023), making the ageing demographic a main contributor to the rising number of dementia cases.
Better Diagnosis Procedures: The diagnosis of dementia has improved as a result of developments in medical technology and raised awareness among medical practitioners. An earlier and more accurate diagnosis of dementia has also been made possible by an increased awareness of early warning symptoms and the availability of more sensitive diagnostic technologies, such as brain imaging techniques and cognitive assessments.
Social Awareness and Decreased Stigma: Along with the improvement in medical developments and increased medical awareness, there is a relative increase in public awareness campaigns, charities, and advocacy initiatives that have contributed to a reduction in the stigma attached to dementia, by motivating people and their families to seek medical attention when they notice cognitive symptoms. Additionally, growing awareness of dementia as a disease and not only an inevitable part of ageing has increased the number of people seeking help and diagnosis.
Changing Disease Definitions: The increase in diagnosis has also been attributed to expanding definitions of dementia subgroups and evolving diagnostic criteria. Clinicians are recognising milder types of dementia, like moderate cognitive impairment (MCI), which may have been disregarded in the past or mistakenly linked to normal ageing, now that they have a better grasp of the spectrum of cognitive impairment (Veneziani, et al., 2024).
Implications and Challenges of the Rise in Dementia Diagnoses
The increase in dementia diagnoses poses a number of challenges for medical and healthcare systems and the society at large, some of these are presented below:
Healthcare Burden: As dementia diagnoses increase, so does the demand on healthcare resources, such as specialized services for long-term care, diagnosis, and treatment. There is also an increase in the need for respite care and carer support services. To combat this challenge, dementia-related services and accessibility to these services need to increase to meet the demand.
Economic Impact: People with dementia incur significant financial expenses for themselves, their families, and society as a whole. This financial toll on healthcare systems and economies is highlighted by the direct expenses of medical care, long-term care, and support services, as well as the indirect costs of lost productivity and decreased quality of life.
Research and Innovation: Even though there has been an increase in research and innovation, which has led to the increase in dementia diagnoses, there is still a need for an more research and innovation on dementia, including as it relates to lessening dementia's negative effects on a person's life, relationships, and finances, and efforts to create therapies, improve early detection techniques, and put preventive measures in place.
Conclusion
In summary, the rise in dementia diagnoses is indicative of the intricate interactions between socioeconomic, diagnostic, and demographic elements. Even though dementia diagnoses is becoming more common, there are still challenges and implications that need to be addressed. These include the need to prioritise dementia care, encourage early intervention, and create supportive environments for both carers and those who are affected by dementia.
References
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Jun Yup Lee, Harney, D., Teo, J. D., Kwok, J. B., Sutherland, G. T., Larance, M., & Don, A. S. (2023). The major TMEM106B dementia risk allele affects TMEM106B protein levels, fibril formation, and myelin lipid homeostasis in the ageing human hippocampus. Molecular Neurodegeneration, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13024-023-00650-3
Luo, H., Lau, W. C. Y., Chai, Y., Torre, C. O., Howard, R., Liu, K. Y., Lin, X., Yin, C., Fortin, S., Kern, D. M., Lee, D. Y., Park, R. W., Jang, J.-W., Chui, C. S. L., Li, J., Reich, C., Man, K. K. C., & Wong, I. C. K. (2023). Rates of Antipsychotic Drug Prescribing Among People Living With Dementia During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2022.4448
Tsolaki, M., Sia, E., & Giannouli, V. (2022). Anesthesia and dementia: an up-to-date review of the existing literature. Applied Neuropsychology: Adult, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1080/23279095.2022.2110871 Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board