Dementia patients are living longer - this is the conclusion reached by scientists from the University of Waterloo after studying the data of more than 1.2 million people over 60 years old for the period from 2000 to 2018. The study covered eight countries: Canada, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Finland, Germany and New Zealand. The results of the analysis were published in the journal Communications Medicine.
The greatest reduction in the risk of death after a diagnosis of dementia was recorded in Canada, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Taiwan and Finland - regions where national strategies to combat dementia have been introduced. In these countries, according to the authors, not only early diagnosis has improved, but also access to medications and individualized care programs. Anti-dementia medications and cognitive support programs are used, and attention has increased to supporting patients at home.
At the same time, New Zealand saw an increase in mortality among hospitalized dementia patients from 2014 to 2018. This coincided with a health reform that shifted the diagnosis of mild forms of the disease from specialists to primary care. As a result, patients began to be admitted to hospitals more often at later stages, which explains the increase in mortality.
The scientists emphasize that the improvement in survival in five of the eight countries (which represent 84% of all participants) is an important signal for health systems. It demonstrates the real results of efforts to prevent and support dementia.