China's new targeting system to fight dementia

China aims to build a comprehensive and continuous control system targeting dementia among the elderly and effectively rein in the growth rate of dementia incidence by 2030, according to an action plan released on Friday.

According to the document jointly released by the National Health Commission and 14 other government departments, a system that covers prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment, rehabilitation and care services for dementia will be set up by 2030.

Specific goals include spreading awareness about dementia prevention, rolling out cognitive function screening among the elderly and early interventions among high-risk groups, improving standard diagnosis and treatment systems and provision of care services.

The number of elderly living with dementia has been rising continuously with the rapidly aging trend and the growing average life expectancy, according to officials.