Patients diagnosed with dementia are now living longer, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Waterloo. The study analyzed data from over 1.2 million individuals aged 60 and older between 2000 and 2018, spanning eight countries: Canada, the UK, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Finland, Germany, and New Zealand. The findings of this analysis have been published in the journal Communications Medicine.
The most significant improvement in survival rates following a dementia diagnosis was noted in Canada, the UK, South Korea, Taiwan, and Finland. These are regions where national strategies specifically targeting dementia are in place. According to the study`s authors, these countries have seen enhancements not only in early diagnosis but also in access to necessary medications and personalized care programs. This includes the use of anti-dementia drugs, cognitive support initiatives, and increased attention to providing care for patients in their homes.
Conversely, New Zealand experienced an increase in mortality among hospitalized dementia patients from 2014 to 2018. This period coincided with a healthcare reform that shifted the responsibility for diagnosing mild forms of the disease from specialists to primary care practitioners. As a result, patients were more frequently admitted to hospitals at more advanced stages of dementia, which helps explain the observed rise in mortality rates.
The scientists emphasize that the improved survival seen in five out of the eight countries studied (which represent 84 percent of all participants) sends an important signal to global healthcare systems. It demonstrates that tangible results can be achieved through dedicated efforts focused on dementia prevention and patient support.
In related news, the previously held belief that digital gadgets are harmful to the brain has been contested; it is now suggested that digital technologies may not impair cognitive function but could instead help preserve it. A separate recent study indicated that older adults who regularly use digital devices tend to experience dementia less frequently.
