10,000 dementia patients by 2030

The number of over 60-year-olds suffering from dementia is projected to be close to 10,000 persons, or 2.3% of the Maltese population, by 2030.

This emerges from a study by Anthony Scerri and Charles Scerri published in the Malta Medical journal.

The 2% prevalence rate of dementia among the Maltese population is expected to be reached by 2025, 25 years prior to what was previously reported.

This is because previous estimates did not incorporate prevalence rates originating from the older female age group.

Dementia is an umbrella term that refers to a number of different disorders characterized by a progressive decrease in cognitive functions like loss of memory and deterioration of planning and organizational skills.

Alzheiemer's disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 70% of cases.

The worldwide cost of dementia is estimated at €435 million euros or 1% of the world's gross domestic product.

The number of persons suffering from dementia in Malta in 2010 was found to be approximately 5200 and increase of 18% over previous estimates.  In 2010 females with dementia outnumber males by a ratio of one is to two.

The prevalence of dementia among women is attributed to higher life expectancy among women.

The study urges policy makers to take in to account the specific needs of women in the development of future social and health care plans.

Data indicates that the number of dementia cases is set to double, reaching 14,037 individuals in 2060. This will account to 3.6% of the Maltese population.

The revised estimates highlight the need of increased awareness in dementia management and care not only among the public but also among health care professionals.

Recently a number of recommendations were presented by the Malta Dementia Strategy Group in order to consider, plan and develop high quality care services.

The report notes the "the lack of assistance available to Maltese informal caregivers, especially with regard to financial support in purchasing anti dementia medication".

The study warned that the high prevalence of dementia cases will put greater demands on health care services resulting in considerable socio economic consequences. 

"In order to face these present and future challenges, dementia care and management should be considered as among the most important health priorities in the Maltese islands."