Dementia in Malta: new prevalence estimates and projected trends

Previous estimates have indicated that in 2005, there were 4,072 individuals with dementia (IWD) in the Maltese islands and that this number would almost double by the year 2050. These figures were based on the EURODEM project that analysed the results of a population-based systematic review of published studies on the global prevalence of dementia from 1980 to 2004. Since then, further dementia prevalence studies have been carried out in Europe. These were reviewed in another European funded project, the EUROCODE project, with the aim of developing consensual European age and gender specific prevalence rates that would be acceptable for all countries. Using these revised rates, the estimated number of IWD over 60 years of age in the Maltese islands in 2010 was found to be 5,198; a significant increase on previous projected data. Likewise, the number of IWD in Malta over 60 years in 2030 is projected to be close to 10,000 persons or 2.3% of the total Maltese population. Using these revised estimates, the 2% prevalence rate of dementia among the local population is expected to be reached by 2025; twenty-five years prior to what was previously reported. The data presented here include current updated estimates and projections for the number of IWD in the Maltese islands.