China Unveils National Strategy to Combat Rising Dementia Rates

China has launched a comprehensive national plan to address the surging prevalence of dementia, which officials warn is becoming a significant societal issue, posing serious challenges to the well-being of the elderly and their families. The initiative comes as the country faces a rapidly aging population, with projections indicating that the number of people aged 60 and above will soar by over 40%, surpassing 400 million by 2035, comparable to the combined populations of the UK and the US.

The plan, developed with input from 15 government departments, including the National Health Commission, lays out seven key objectives to be achieved by 2030, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency. Currently, more than 16 million people in China are living with dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most prevalent form.

Key components of the plan include a significant expansion of care services for elderly individuals with dementia. By 2030, over half of elderly care institutions are expected to have specialized units for dementia care, and the number of trained caregivers is set to reach 15 million. This strategy aims to improve the quality of life for millions of seniors and provide much-needed support for their families.