Ithaki Foundation highlights global and Cyprus dementia statistics

On the occasion of World Alzheimer’s Day, the Ithaki Foundation released data from the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the impact of Alzheimer's and dementia in Cyprus. In 2021, these conditions were the second leading cause of death among women in Cyprus, with a rate of 49.9 per 100,000 residents, and the sixth leading cause among men, with a rate of 26.8 per 100,000 residents.

Globally, WHO figures indicate that more than 57 million people were living with dementia as of 2021, with approximately 10 million new cases emerging annually, amounting to one diagnosis every three seconds. Given projections that the number of people living with dementia will exceed 130 million by 2050, the Ithaki Foundation emphasized that this remains a critical public health challenge. Foundation President Isavella Karaoli stressed that the condition affects entire families and society, underscoring an urgent necessity for enhanced awareness, preventive measures, early diagnosis, and comprehensive support systems.