Wednesday marks World's Alzheimer's Day. With one of the fastest-greying populations in the world, China is facing an impending health crisis, with Alzheimer's disease being a prominent factor. For more on the impact of the disease, joining me in the studio is my colleague Zhao Lingfeng.
Q1. Lingfeng, it’s a day to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s. So first tell more about the situation in China.
A1. China has more people living with Alzheimer’s than any other country in the world. There are currently about 10 million of them. A rapid growth in patient numbers has been seen in the past two and half decades. A total of over 6 million people have developed Alzheimer’s since 1990. As the demographics continue to change, the numbers are poised to soar. By 2050, it's projected to triple to an estimated 30 million Chinese. According to the World Alzheimer Report, about one in every 15 persons over 60 develops the disease, or about a 6 percent chance. The risk increases with age. In the above 90-year-old group, the report indicates a two-fifths chance. Also notably, women are more likely than men to have Alzheimer’s. The disease is also a major cause for dementia. It ranks as the fourth leading cause of death among the elderly in China. after cardiovascular disease, cancer and stroke. It's fair to say the crisis is already here.
Q2. So it’s a widespread issue, but how is the country and the public tackling this problem?
A1. Well researching this story, I came across a striking quote, it says “If someone is going to get Alzheimer’s, China is a rough place to have it.” One of the first problems is the misconception surrounding the disease. Many Chinese don’t even realize Alzheimer’s IS a disease. An online survey conducted two years ago showed that nearly half of the respondents considered dementia, usually caused by Alzheimer’s, as a normal part of the aging process. But the reality is that it's not.Well we have some more perspectives on Alzheimer's from Chinese citizens.
That’s doctor's advice on preventing the development of Alzheimer’s. But over 80 percent of Alzheimer’s cases went untreated when they showed early signs of the disease. Also, limited medical and healthcare facilities can be a factor here. In 2010, only 4 hospitals specialized in treating dementia cases, and around 300 doctors across China were qualified to treat it. And that number hasn't gone up significantly ever since. Even for patients who are receiving treatment, it can be financially challenging. Average medical and day care costs can be over 130 thousand yuan, or about 20 thousand US dollars, for one patient every year. As one expert said, “Aging will be the biggest crisis of the century for China, and Alzheimer’s is at the crux of the problem.”
Q2. So it’s a widespread issue, but how is the country and the public tackling this problem?
A1. Well researching this story, I came across a striking quote, it says “If someone is going to get Alzheimer’s, China is a rough place to have it.” One of the first problems is the misconception surrounding the disease. Many Chinese don’t even realize Alzheimer’s IS a disease. An online survey conducted two years ago showed that nearly half of the respondents considered dementia, usually caused by Alzheimer’s, as a normal part of the aging process. But the reality is that it's not. Well we have some more perspectives on Alzheimer's from Chinese citizens.
That’s doctor's advice on preventing the development of Alzheimer’s. But over 80 percent of Alzheimer’s cases went untreated when they showed early signs of the disease. Also, limited medical and healthcare facilities can be a factor here. In 2010, only 4 hospitals specialized in treating dementia cases, and around 300 doctors across China were qualified to treat it. And that number hasn't gone up significantly ever since. Even for patients who are receiving treatment, it can be financially challenging. Average medical and day care costs can be over 130 thousand yuan, or about 20 thousand US dollars, for one patient every year. As one expert said, “Aging will be the biggest crisis of the century for China, and Alzheimer’s is at the crux of the problem.”
