Thread by @WHO

Today is World #Alzheimer's Day.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of #dementia & may contribute to 60–70% of cases

#Dementia is a major cause of disability among older people bit.ly/2xxKjbF

There are nearly 10 million new cases of #dementia every year - that's one case every 3 seconds bit.ly/2xxKjbF

The number of people with #dementia is set to almost triple by 2050 bit.ly/2xxKjbF

Families & friends provide most of the care for ppl w/ #dementia and it could be overwhelming for them bit.ly/2xxKjbF

The medical, social & informal care costs of #dementia are expected to more than double between 2015 & 2030, to USD2 trillion

Early diagnosis of #dementia is important.
Early stage symptoms incl. forgetfulness, losing track of time & becoming lost in familiar places

Research has shown that keeping active, eating a balanced diet, refraining from tobacco use may help prevent #dementia #BeatNCDs

Policy-makers, health and social care providers and civil society can help improve the lives of people living with #dementia