Roadmap for dementia research

Where do we stand on dementia?

The February editorial in Nature Medicine focuses on the rising number of cases of dementia worldwide. Currently the 7th leading cause of death, predictions point to a 3-fold increase in the number of cases by 2050. The global action plan on dementia issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) ends in 2025, and the targets set are far from being met by most countries. Faced with this situation, in October 2022, the WHO published a master plan laying out the current situation, the gaps observed and the objectives for the coming years. A first for a non-infectious disease.

More than a single disease

Dementia is a syndrome, i.e. it is characterized by certain symptoms and clinical signs that define it. There are several subtypes, each with its own specific features. The best known is Alzheimer’s disease. Low- and middle-income countries are the most affected, and women are more commonly affected than men. This is contradictory to the fact that most research is currently being carried out on men from high-income countries. What’s more, the majority of studies target Alzheimer’s disease, despite it being one of many subtypes.

The way forward for the next few years

It therefore seems essential to review the strategies for approaching dementia research, which has become a public health problem. The WHO recommends a rebalancing of studies targeting different affected populations, in order to take a more global approach.

Do you still have questions? Or simply want to know more? Visit the WHO page dedicated to dementia.