Dementia sufferers estimated to reach 14,000 by 2038

The number of dementia sufferers in Malta is estimated to rise from the current 5,200 to 14,000 over the next 25 years. As of 2010, 1.2% of the Maltese population suffered from dementia, parliamentary secretary for the elderly Franco Mercieca said during the appointment of Charles Scerri as the national focal point for dementia in Malta.

Mercieca, who has commissioned Scerri with the review of the national strategy for dementia, said government was committed in aiding the fight against dementia.

"The aid doesn't only lay in helping the sufferers but also their relatives and carers," said Scerri, pointing out that around 15,000 - in relatives and carers - were affected. "No strategy is complete if it does not address this issue."

International studies show the expenses may triple to $1.4 trillion over the coming 25 years.

"If dementia were a country it would be the 18^th largest country in the world... so big it would be invited to the G20 summits," said Scerri.

He said it was therefore important to educate the public on dementia so there would be timely diagnosis. Further education of professionals was also imperative.

Scerri said a national strategy draft had been presented in 2010. He aims to have this revised by the end of the year, and carry out public consultations on the issue.

The are different types of dementia, some which could also affect people in their 20s or 30s. However, age remains the main risk factor.

In Malta, it is estimated that between €60 and €90 million euro a year are spent over the illness.

According to Scerri, changing demographics meant in the future there would not be enough children to look after older people, and that was why the government was committed to planning ahead, to ensure people who develop the condition in any of its forms will get the care and support they require.

When asked what people could do to stave off dementia, Scerri said there was no foolproof method, but encouraged people to remain healthy and active even after retirement age. He recommended keeping the mind active by doing activities such as reading, keeping up to date on current affairs, and doing puzzles, and he also emphasized the importance of strong social contact.