Dementia in Western Europe: epidemiological evidence and implications for policy making

This article from The Lancet published on 21 August 2015, reports on an evidence review into whether the occurrence of dementia has changed during the past 20-30 years in Western Europe.

Drawing on key research studies across 5 countries, the findings show non-significant changes in overall dementia occurrence in the countries investigated.

However, the only significant reduction in overall prevalence was found in the study done in the UK.

Overall, it cites that reductions could be the outcomes from earlier population-level investments such as improved education and living conditions, and points to better upstream primary prevention as having the largest effect on reduction of later dementia occurrence and disability.