https://www.facebook.com/805469139316631/

enABLE SA, Cape Town (2026)

18/05/2026

Dementia Before Old Age: What the Numbers Show

Dementia is often linked to older age, but the statistics show that it can also affect younger adults.

Research estimates that up to 9% of all dementia cases begin before the age of 65. This is known as young-onset dementia.

The numbers are important:
• Around 1 in every 12 people living with dementia may be under 65 years old
• Globally, this represents millions of individuals in their working and family-building years
• Because symptoms appear earlier, young-onset dementia is often misdiagnosed or overlooked

This means dementia can affect:
• People who are still employed and working
• Parents raising children and supporting families
• Younger adults whose symptoms may not immediately be recognized as dementia

In South Africa, these numbers matter because many families may not expect dementia in a younger person when changes in memory, behaviour, communication, or decision-making begin to appear.

At enABLE FOUNDATION South Africa, we believe dementia awareness must include all age groups — not only older adults.

The earlier dementia is understood, the earlier people can receive support, understanding, and care.

📞 +27 68 722 7089
📧 [email protected]

16/05/2026

Dementia: The Hidden Numbers Behind Diagnosis

Dementia is not only growing — it is also widely underdiagnosed across the world, including in many African communities.

The statistics reveal a serious gap:
• Nearly 75% of people living with dementia globally have not been formally diagnosed
• In some low- and middle-income settings, up to 90% of cases may go unrecognized
• Even in higher-income regions, about 1 in 2 people with dementia may still lack a formal diagnosis

These numbers mean that millions of people are living with dementia without the support, understanding, or care they need.

Without diagnosis:
• Families may struggle to understand behavioural and memory changes
• Care and support are often delayed
• Stigma and misconceptions continue within communities

Early diagnosis is important because it can allow:
• Better planning and family support
• Access to healthcare and services
• Improved quality of life for those affected

At enABLE FOUNDATION South Africa, we believe dementia awareness must go beyond simply knowing the condition exists — it must also include recognizing the warning signs and encouraging early help-seeking.

Because what is not diagnosed is often not supported.

📞 +27 68 722 7089
📧 [email protected]

14/05/2026

Dementia and Care: The Hidden Numbers

Dementia does not only affect those diagnosed — it also has a deep impact on families, caregivers, and communities.

Across the world, millions of hours of dementia care are provided every year, with most of that care given by family members rather than healthcare professionals.

The statistics reveal:
• Nearly 50% of people may become caregivers at some point in their lives
• Around 80% of dementia care is provided by family members and loved ones
• Caregivers often spend 20–40 hours per week supporting someone living with dementia
• Studies show that up to 40% of caregivers experience stress, depression, or emotional burnout

These numbers remind us that dementia is not only a medical condition — it is also a social and family responsibility.

Behind many people living with dementia is a caregiver sacrificing time, energy, finances, and emotional strength to provide support and comfort.

At enABLE FOUNDATION South Africa, we recognize caregivers as an essential part of dementia care and support. Their wellbeing matters too.

When we talk about dementia, we must also talk about the people providing care every day.

📞 +27 68 722 7089
📧 [email protected]

12/05/2026

Global Beliefs About Dementia: The Numbers Are Alarming

Dementia is widely misunderstood around the world — and the statistics reveal just how big the gap in knowledge really is.

Research shows that:
• 2 in 3 people (≈66%) believe dementia is a normal part of aging
• About 62% of healthcare providers also share this misconception
• Nearly 1 in 4 people (25%) believe nothing can be done to prevent dementia

There are also strong cultural beliefs:
• 1 in 5 people (20%) think dementia is caused by bad luck
• Around 10% believe it is God’s will
• About 2% associate dementia with witchcraft

The impact of these beliefs is serious:
• 48% of people think memory cannot improve, even with support
• 88% of people living with dementia report experiencing discrimination

These numbers show that misunderstanding and stigma are still major challenges worldwide.

At enABLE FOUNDATION South Africa, we believe awareness is the first step to change. When people understand dementia, they replace fear with compassion and support.

The truth matters. The numbers speak.

📞 +27 68 722 7089
📧 [email protected]

06/05/2026

enABLE Foundation South Africa wishes to express its sincere gratitude to the Eastern Cape Older Persons Forum and the Disability Forum Executive for inviting our organisation to deliver a presentation at their Capacity Building Workshop held at the Lilitha Boutique Hotel in Butterworth on the 23rd and 24th of April 2026.

The workshop created an important platform to create awareness and build on existing knowledge around dementia, which continues to affect many older persons, families, caregivers, and communities. The responses highlighted the urgent need for increased awareness, education, and understanding of the condition.

Our presentation emphasized that dementia is more than memory loss. It affects thinking, behaviour, communication, and daily functioning, and often places a heavy emotional and practical burden on families and caregivers. Feedback highlighted the importance of early recognition, reducing stigma, and ensuring that older persons living with dementia are treated with dignity, patience, and compassion.

We are honoured to have been part of such a significant event and to contribute to efforts aimed at strengthening community knowledge and support systems for older persons and persons living with disabilities.

A special word of thanks goes to Elva van Zyl, who represented enABLE Foundation SA so exceptionally well. Her presentation reflected the values and commitment of our organisation in advancing awareness, advocacy, and education.

We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with stakeholders who are equally passionate about the wellbeing of older persons and persons living with disabilities. We look forward to future collaborations with all stakeholders as we continue working together to build informed, inclusive, and supportive communities.

04/05/2026

Dementia in Numbers: Understanding the Risk

Dementia continues to affect millions of people, especially as age increases.

Studies show that around 6%–7% of people aged 65 years and older are living with dementia. This means that in every group of older adults, a significant number are affected.

The numbers become even more concerning with age:
• Over 60% of people living with dementia are women
• More than 70% of cases occur in people aged 80 years and above

These statistics show that age and gender play an important role in dementia risk.

As populations continue to grow older, the number of people affected is expected to rise, placing more responsibility on families, caregivers, and communities.

At enABLE FOUNDATION South Africa, we believe that understanding these numbers helps us prepare, respond, and support those affected with dignity and care.

Awareness starts with knowing the facts.

📞 +27 68 722 7089
📧 [email protected]

29/04/2026

Dementia and Mortality: What the Numbers Show

Dementia is not just about memory loss — it is a major cause of death worldwide.

Research shows that Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in some parts of the world, highlighting how serious the condition truly is.

In addition:
• 1 in 3 older adults dies with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia
• Dementia-related deaths are higher than those caused by some major diseases combined

These numbers show that dementia is not a normal part of aging — it is a life-threatening condition that requires attention, care, and early support.

At enABLE FOUNDATION South Africa, we believe that understanding these statistics helps communities take dementia seriously and respond with the urgency it deserves.

The numbers are clear — awareness must increase.

📞 +27 68 722 7089
📧 [email protected]

28/04/2026

Dementia Across the World: What the Data Shows

Dementia is a growing global challenge, and the numbers across different regions highlight just how serious it is.

Globally, about 46.78 million people were living with dementia in 2015. This number is expected to rise to 74.69 million by 2030 and reach 131.45 million by 2050.

Looking at regions:

• Asia has the highest number of people affected, with about 22.85 million in 2015, expected to rise to over 67 million by 2050
• Europe had around 10.46 million cases in 2015, projected to increase to 18.66 million by 2050
• The Americas recorded about 9.44 million cases in 2015, rising to nearly 30 million by 2050
• Africa had about 4.03 million people living with dementia in 2015, expected to grow to 15.76 million by 2050

Africa shows one of the fastest growth rates, with an increase of up to 291% by 2050.

These numbers show that dementia is not just a health issue for one region — it is a global concern affecting millions of families.

At enABLE FOUNDATION South Africa, we believe these statistics highlight the urgent need for awareness, early support, and stronger care systems within our communities.

The numbers are rising, and so must our response.

📞 +27 68 722 7089
📧 [email protected]

27/04/2026

Dementia and Disability: What the Numbers Show

Dementia is not just a health condition — it is one of the leading causes of disability among older people worldwide.

According to Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), a universal measurement used by researchers and policymakers to calculate how diseases and medical conditions affect both the length and quality of life for a given population, dementia ranks among the top conditions affecting people aged 60 years and above.

Key statistics show:
• Dementia contributes about 10 million DALYs globally among older adults
• It ranks among the top 10 most burdensome conditions in this age group
• Other leading conditions include heart disease (77.7 million DALYs) and stroke (66.4 million DALYs), but dementia remains a major contributor to long-term disability
• Dementia contributes more to years lived with disability than years lost due to death

This means people live longer with the effects of dementia, requiring continuous care and support.

In many communities, including South Africa, this places a significant burden on families, caregivers, and healthcare systems.

At enABLE FOUNDATION South Africa, we believe these numbers highlight the urgent need for awareness and stronger support systems for those living with dementia.

23/04/2026

At enABLE FOUNDATION South Africa, we are committed to raising awareness and empowering communities with accurate, reliable information about dementia.

We recently had the privilege of delivering an engaging and insightful talk at St. Martin de Porres Church in Springdale. The session was attended by 35 participants, and the level of interaction was truly encouraging. Many attendees openly shared their personal experiences, creating a meaningful and supportive space for dialogue.

One key outcome from this engagement was the clear need for a local support group, which we are committed to following up on as part of our ongoing work in the community.

We are excited about the opportunities for continued collaboration — working together to support individuals living with dementia, assist caregivers, and empower community members with knowledge that can help reduce their own risk.

This is how change begins — through conversation, connection, and community.

+27 68 722 7089

21/04/2026

Dementia in Africa: A Growing Concern

Dementia is becoming an increasing challenge across Africa, and the numbers continue to rise at an alarming rate.

In 2015, approximately 4.03 million people in Africa were living with dementia. This number is expected to increase to about 6.99 million by 2030 and reach an estimated 15.76 million by 2050. This represents one of the fastest growing increases globally.

This rise means that more families will be affected, more caregivers will be needed, and more pressure will be placed on already stretched healthcare systems.

Despite these growing numbers, awareness of dementia across many African communities remains low. Many people still do not fully understand the condition, leading to late diagnosis, stigma, and limited support for those affected.

At enABLE FOUNDATION South Africa, we recognize that South Africa is part of this growing trend. This is why we are committed to raising awareness, educating communities, and supporting families affected by dementia.

The numbers are increasing, but with awareness and action, we can make a difference.

enABLE SA

18/05/2026

16/05/2026

14/05/2026

12/05/2026

06/05/2026

04/05/2026

29/04/2026

28/04/2026

27/04/2026

23/04/2026

21/04/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category