WHO launches its first blueprint for dementia research

The World Health Organisation on Tuesday launched the first initiative of its kind for dementia.

The blueprint is designed to guide policymakers, funders, and the research community on dementia research, making it more efficient, equitable, and impactful.

Dementia is one of the greatest health challenges the world is facing.

 “Although dementia is the 7th leading cause of death globally, dementia research accounts for less than 1.5% of total health research output,” WHO Chief Scientist Dr. Soumya Swaminathan said.

“Sadly, we are falling behind implementing the Global action plan on the public health response to dementia 2017-25. Addressing dementia comprehensively requires research and innovation to be an integral part of the response.”

The organisation highlighted the need for better treatment and prevention strategies across the world.

Data from the WHO shows that by the end of this decade,78 million people across the globe will be living with dementia.

Dementia is an umbrella term for loss of memory and other thinking problems.

People with dementia have problems with memory, attention, communication, judgment, and problem-solving solving, among other issues.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, but it is not the only one.

There are many different types and causes of dementia and in this case, strategies are needed to better understand, prevent, and treat the underlying diseases that cause dementia. At the same time, provide care and support for people with dementia and their care givers.

Moreover, dementia research needs to be conducted within an enabling environment, where collaborations are fostered, and equitable and sustained investment is realised.