DEMENTIA IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION

Abstract

Asia Pacific region is now home to more than 17 million persons with dementia (PWD) (ADI, 2014). By the middle of this century, more than half of PWD will live within our midst. In terms of costs, the region is now spending US$185 billion, with 70% of this amount being spent by the developed countries. For sure, this cost will continue to increase as the number of PWD increases. The need to push for the development of a national dementia action plan in every country within the region is never more urgent but this will require research into the health and care systems and a review of the overall health policy. The more developed and middle income countries within the region have been experimenting and piloting at the community level which could be developed further to become best practices that can be shared at the regional level.