Alzheimer’s disease will affect more than 35 million people globally in 2010 and very few will get any treatment at all as per a report released.

The most affected population will be from low and middle income countries where enough facilities are not available to diagnose this disease or even treat patients who suffer from dementia.

There are not very many treatments available for Alzheimer’s disease which is the most common cause of dementia and other forms like vascular dementia which occurs due to clogged arteries in the brain.

Very few symptoms can be removed with the help of drugs but loss of memory and the ability to navigate and understand the world can’t be treated. There is no cure to help them care for themselves.

The report also mentions that the cost of medical care for dementia patients is increasing fast in low and middle income countries.

Sweden’s Karolinska Institute estimated the effect of dementia on the global economy and said that $315 billion was spent annually. Therefore it recommended some actions that can be taken to reduce this cost.

National governments should declare dementia to be a health priority and develop national strategies to provide services. Primary healthcare and other community services should be focused mainly by low and medium income countries.

High income countries should come up with national dementia action plans with a given budget for the same. Countries should formulate services that reflect the progressive nature of dementia.