China to create system to fight dementia in seniors

China aims to establish a comprehensive system to significantly curb the overall growth in the incidence rate of dementia-related conditions by 2030, according to an action plan released on Friday.

The document, jointly issued by the National Health Commission and 14 other government departments, outlines plans to create a complete system encompassing prevention efforts, screenings, diagnoses and treatments, rehabilitation and care services for dementia patients by 2030.

Key objectives include raising awareness about dementia prevention, implementing cognitive function screening for the elderly, providing early intervention for high-risk groups, enhancing standard diagnosis and treatment systems, and expanding care services.

The action plan highlighted the growing prevalence of dementia, driven by China's rapidly aging population and rising average life expectancy. Official data shows that nearly 297 million people, or 21.1 percent of China's population, were 60 and above by the end of 2023.This number is projected to exceed 400 million by 2035 and peak around 2050.

Life expectancy in China rose from 71 years in 1998 to 78.6 years in 2023. A Lancet study predicts it will further increase to 81.3 years by 2035.

The increasing elderly population poses significant challenges, with dementia being one of the leading causes of disability and dependency among older people.

A 2023 report from the China Association for Alzheimer's Disease revealed that about 6 percent of people age 60 and older are living with dementia. Among them, about 4 percent are affected by Alzheimer's disease, and nearly 1.6 percent have vascular dementia.

"The incidence of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia has been gradually increasing over the past decades, with rates rising more rapidly with age," the report stated.

A predictive model predicts that the number of seniors living with Alzheimer's disease will reach 19.1 million by 2030 and 27.6 million by 2050.

The report also emphasized a shortage of professional caregivers for dementia patients.

"About 70 percent of dementia patients are cared for at home by family members," it noted. "As the share of elderly people in the population grows, the number of amateur caregivers will not suffice, increasing demand for professional services."

The new action plan calls for grassroots healthcare facilities, hospitals and disease control centers to collaborate in advancing cognitive function screening for individuals age 65 and older. Those with abnormal results should be referred to medical institutions capable of conducting further examinations.

Medical institutions are encouraged to establish memory clinics, and hospitals at the county level or higher will receive support to set up cognitive impairment departments.

Local governments are required to enhance care services tailored to dementia patients at different stages. Various service models, including at-home, community-based or institution-provided care, should be coordinated.

By 2030, half of the nation's elderly care homes with 100 or more beds are expected to have specialized units for dementia patients, and 15 million additional caregivers will be trained to support their needs.

wangxiaoyu@chinadaily.com.cn