A comprehensive study examining the burden of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other dementias within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region reveals significant shifts in prevalence and mortality rates over three decades. According to the findings published from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, the age-standardized prevalence of AD and related dementias stood at 772.7 cases per 100,000 individuals in 2021, which marks a 4.9% decline since 1990.
Alzheimer’s disease ranks among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The research conducted aimed to evaluate how the disease has affected countries within the MENA, citing approximately 73.79 thousand deaths attributable to these conditions. The disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to dementia also showed improvements, registering at 476.3 per 100,000, indicating a decline of 7.7% from 1990.
Some countries demonstrated notable variances; Lebanon reported the highest point prevalence at 828.25 per 100,000, whereas the United Arab Emirates had the lowest as 652.43 per 100,000. The disparity speaks volumes about the healthcare variances across MENA, where effective public health policies must be prioritized.
Data extrapolated from the GBD study suggested the interconnectedness of risk factors contributing to AD, such as age, sex, and comorbidities. Women, for example, faced higher prevalence rates and disability-adjusted life years compared to men. The researchers emphasized the impact of aging populations coupled with substantial socioeconomic transitions as contributing factors to the changing epidemiology of Alzheimer’s disease.
Significantly, the results indicated even though the burden of dementia has decreased from 1990 to 2021, it remains substantially higher than global averages. Such insights are pivotal for informing policymakers and healthcare practitioners about the pressing need for increased resource allocation and systematic studies necessary to address the dementia burden, particularly within low- to middle-income countries.
The necessity for public health campaigns aimed at early detection, awareness, and support systems for caregivers and patients was underscored. The study also outlined the urgent call for region-specific strategies to alleviate the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on this vulnerable population.
With Alzheimer’s disease affecting millions, the researchers concluded their findings point to the need for continual evaluation and adaptive strategies to effectively combat the disease as demographic transitions evolve. "The burden of dementia remains higher than expected, which emphasizes the necessity for targeted public health initiatives to tackle modifiable risk factors," stated the authors. Forward-looking strategies focusing on effective intervention at multiple levels could significantly influence the outcomes for those affected, their families, and broader health systems.