Dementia: The Rising Global Health Crisis You Need to Know

Imagine you being lost on the way home, forgetting common items, or struggling to follow a conversation. For more than 57 million globally, this is existence with dementia. And it's growing—nearly 10 million new diagnoses are made every year.

But dementia is more than forgetfulness—dementia is a complex syndrome that affects the way people think, behave, and relate to one another. Here's what you need to know about this growing health concern.

What Exactly Is Dementia?

Dementia isn't a disease in itself. It's an umbrella term for a group of symptoms that affect memory, problem-solving, language, and mood. It's caused by many diseases and injuries to the brain—Alzheimer's disease being the largest contributor and responsible for 60–70% of cases.

Though it largely affects older individuals, dementia is not a component of regular aging. And indeed, certain people begin to exhibit signs even earlier than age 65—a type known as young onset dementia.

The Warning Signs: When to Take Notice

Dementia usually starts gradually, and symptoms develop over time. Here are some common early warning signs to take notice of:

Forgetting recent events or well-known names

Putting things out of place or getting lost in familiar places

Trouble making decisions or following a conversation

Mood changes like depression, anxiety, or isolation from others

As the disease progresses, individuals will typically need more and more help with daily activities. In late stages, they are unable to recognize their own family members, lose the ability to walk, talk, and feed themselves, and become increasingly personality-changed or hostile.

The Heavy Toll on Families and Society

Dementia cost the global economy a staggering US$1.3 trillion in 2019—and that number is growing. Unpaid care accounts for half these expenditures, typically provided by relatives who work five hours a day on average.

Women are especially affected: not only do they have higher rates of dementia but they also provide 70% of care hours globally.

This disease doesn't just get people—it reconstructs the life of families and communities.

Risk Factors: What's Putting You at Risk?

Although age is the biggest risk factor, there are many more that you can control:

High blood pressure or diabetes

Being overweight or inactive

Smoking and excessive drinking

Social isolation and depression

Air pollution and limited access to education

Staying physically and mentally active, eating a balanced diet, managing chronic conditions, and staying socially active can all help to reduce your risk of dementia.

Can Dementia Be Treated?

There’s currently no cure for dementia, but could improve quality of life with care and treatment. Some medications are able to manage symptoms or slow down worsening, especially in Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.

Supportive care, social activity, and daily activity are just as important. For example:

Keep the brain active through puzzles, hobbies, or new learning
Regular exercise and a healthy diet
Stay in touch with family and friends
Use reminders or apps to assist with everyday activities

Prepare for future care decisions in advance 

Caring for Someone with Dementia

Being a caregiver is both rewarding and exhausting. There are things that must be done:

Get help from family, friends, or professionals

Be part of support groups

Take a break and take care of yourself

Learn stress management techniques like mindfulness or deep breathing

You can't pour from an empty cup—taking care of yourself means taking care of others better. Dementia is one of the biggest health emergencies of our time. It touches on millions of people, redefines families, and places a tremendous strain on caregivers and on the healthcare system. But awareness, early treatment, and support can change everything.

If you or the person you love are feeling the early signs, don't wait—talk to a doctor, contact care networks, and start planning ahead. You're not alone.