According to the World Health Organization, dementia is the seventh greatest cause of mortality worldwide.

According to the organization, dementia research represents for less than 1.5% of total health research output.

Dementia is a condition characterized by loss in cognitive function that exceeds the normal effects of biological aging.

According to the WHO, there are presently over 55 million individuals living with dementia globally, with approximately 10 million new cases diagnosed each year.

WHO stated in a news release made available to our correspondent that initiatives were required to better identify, prevent, and cure the underlying disorders that cause dementia while also providing care and support to persons with dementia and their carriers.

WHO chief scientist, Dr Soumya Swaminathan, said, “Although dementia is the 7th leading cause of death globally, dementia research accounts for less than 1.5 per cent of total health research output.

“Sadly, we are falling behind implementing the Global Action Plan on the public health response to dementia (2017-2025). Addressing dementia comprehensively requires research and innovation to be an integral part of the response.

“Moreover, dementia research needs to be conducted within an enabling environment, where collaborations are fostered and equitable and sustained investment is realised.

“With these objectives, WHO developed a blueprint for dementia research; the first WHO initiative of its kind for non-communicable diseases. The blueprint is designed to guide policymakers, funders, and the research community on dementia research, making it more efficient, equitable, and impactful.”