Norwegian Centre for Dementia Research, Service Development and Education

Abstract

Introduction The immense economic consequences of dementia disorders are one of the most important issues when the situation of the health and social sectors are under discussion Uohnson et al, 2000). The OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) has, in a recently published report, emphasized that dementia is a major health and social policy issue in its member states (Moise et al, 2004). Dementia is also regarded by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the major reasons for disability. In 2000, there were approximately 7.4 million people in Europe suffering from dementia (Table 41.1), which was about 30% of the worldwide dementia population (Wimo, 2002). A forecast based on demographic prognoses (UN, 1998) and known age-specific dementia prevalence (Fratiglioni et al, 2001) shows that the number of demented people in Europe will increase to about 9 million in 2010 and to 12.3 million in 2030 (Figure 41.1).