Foreword and Acknowledgements

Dementia is a debilitating condition for which there is currently no cure. As the condition progresses, those affected can be left dependent on others for support in their daily lives. The human and financial costs of dementia are of a worrying magnitude. Globally, it is the second largest cause of disability among those over the age of 70, with an estimated 44 million people living with dementia worldwide. In terms of financial burden, the global cost of dementia is well over half a trillion US dollars each year – roughly equal to the GDP of Switzerland. Nevertheless, health systems and social services are still failing to provide adequate support to people with dementia and their families. Given our ageing populations, these costs will only continue to escalate. Dementia is set to become 50% more common in high-income countries and 80% more common in low- and middle-income countries by 2030. It is high time that we provide a more effective policy response to dementia.