Did the World Health Organization declared dementia a worldwide public health priority in 2012?

By 2010, the global cost of dementia had already topped an estimated US$604 billion. Facing this immense challenge, the question arises: Did the World Health Organization declared dementia a worldwide public health priority in 2012? The answer is a crucial milestone in global health history, and it set the stage for later, more comprehensive action.

Quick Summary

In 2012, the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI), published a report titled Dementia: A Public Health Priority to raise global awareness and advocate for action. This marked a significant step in formally acknowledging dementia as a public health priority.

Key Points

• Report Publication: The World Health Organization and Alzheimer's Disease International jointly published Dementia: A Public Health Priority in 2012.

• Foundational Step: This 2012 report served as a crucial step in formalizing dementia as a public health priority.

• Precursor to Action Plan: The 2012 publication was a precursor to the more comprehensive Global action plan on the public health response to dementia 2017-2025.

• Shift in Perception: The report helped shift the perception of dementia to a serious health threat.

• Long-Term Impact: The 2012 action laid the groundwork for sustained international focus on dementia.

The 2012 Landmark Report

In 2012, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) collaborated on a joint report titled Dementia: A Public Health Priority. This publication aimed to elevate dementia's standing on the global health agenda by increasing awareness, outlining a public health strategy, and promoting action. The report served as an authoritative overview of the growing worldwide impact of dementia.

Before this report, dementia was frequently misunderstood or considered an inevitable aspect of aging, which contributed to stigma and hindered access to care. The report highlighted the urgent need to address dementia as a significant global health challenge.

The Need for a Global Response

The 2012 report was a response to the increasing crisis of dementia. Around 2010, data showed a substantial number of individuals affected globally, with projections indicating a significant rise in the coming decades. Organizations like ADI had long advocated for dementia to be recognized as a global health priority and included in key health programs.

The Public Health Approach and Subsequent Actions

The 2012 report laid important groundwork but was part of a larger effort. It introduced core principles for a public health approach to dementia. Subsequent events further emphasized the call for action. These efforts culminated in a more structured strategy.

Comparing the 2012 Report and the 2017 Global Action Plan

The 2012 report and the 2017 plan represent different stages of the global response to dementia. The 2012 report was a foundational recognition of the issue, while the 2017 plan provided a detailed, long-term strategic framework.

For a comparison of the 2012 report and the 2017 Global Action Plan, you can refer to {Link: Open Access Government https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/recognising-dementia-public-health-priority/33043/}.

Conclusion

So, did the World Health Organization declared dementia a worldwide public health priority in 2012? Yes, this was a crucial foundational action. The joint report Dementia: A Public Health Priority by the WHO and ADI in 2012 provided the basis to formally recognize dementia as a major global health challenge. This action was a vital precursor to the more detailed Global action plan adopted in 2017, demonstrating a significant step in the ongoing commitment to address the increasing burden of dementia worldwide. For more details, the original publication is available on the {Link: WHO website https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/dementia-a-public-health-priority}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the World Health Organization declared dementia a worldwide public health priority in 2012, or was it a later action?

The WHO officially recognized dementia as a public health priority in 2012 by releasing a report with that very title. This was a critical first step that preceded the adoption of the more formal Global Action Plan in 2017.

What was the purpose of the 2012 WHO report on dementia?

The report's objectives were to raise awareness of dementia's growing impact, articulate a strategic public health approach, and advocate for action from governments and other key stakeholders worldwide.

Did the 2012 WHO action on dementia change how the disease is perceived?

Yes, by framing dementia as a global public health priority, the 2012 report helped combat the misconception that it was a normal part of aging. This shift encouraged a more integrated approach involving multiple sectors beyond just healthcare.

Was Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) involved with the 2012 WHO declaration?

Yes, the 2012 report, Dementia: A Public Health Priority, was a joint effort between the World Health Organization and Alzheimer's Disease International.

How did the 2012 report influence later WHO actions on dementia?

The 2012 report laid the essential groundwork for more extensive strategies. It was a foundational step that led to the development and unanimous adoption of the Global Action Plan on dementia by WHO Member States in 2017.

Does the WHO have any initiatives related to dementia prior to 2012?

Yes, the WHO had included dementia as a priority area within its Mental Health Global Action Programme (mhGAP) before 2012, but the 2012 report was a more specific and focused effort.

What kind of information was included in the 2012 WHO report?

The report provided an authoritative overview of dementia's global impact, practical case studies from around the world, and extensive data, including statistics from low- and middle-income countries.