Malta’s Dementia Deaths See Alarming Increase, Prompting Investigation
Malta, a small European nation, has experienced a significant spike in deaths caused by dementia, making it the country with the highest rate of such deaths in Europe. According to Eurostat data released on Tuesday, Malta recorded just over 80 deaths per 100,000 people in 2020, nearly double the rate reported in 2011. While this increase is alarming, experts caution against interpreting it as a direct reflection of a rise in dementia cases.
Charles Scerri, an associate professor at the University of Malta’s Department of Pathology and co-founder of the Malta Dementia Society, explains that the reasons behind this surge in dementia-related deaths are likely multifaceted. However, one likely factor is the dramatic increase in awareness surrounding dementia over the past decade. Both the general public and medical professionals have become more aware of the condition, leading to increased diagnoses and recognition of dementia as the main cause of death.
It is worth noting that this rise in awareness may have influenced doctors to attribute dementia more frequently as the primary cause of death. In the past, other conditions associated with dementia, such as pneumonia and septicaemia, may have been listed instead. As public discourse around dementia became more widespread, more individuals sought early professional advice, resulting in a higher diagnosis rate.
Another contributing factor to Malta’s high dementia death rate could be the country’s relatively high life expectancy compared to others. Countries with higher life expectancies tend to have higher rates of dementia cases. Interestingly, developed countries like the Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark also recorded high rates of dementia-related deaths, likely due to their increased awareness and diagnostic capabilities.
Conversely, some of the European Union’s poorest countries, including Romania, Bulgaria, and Poland, reported the lowest rates of dementia-related deaths. This disparity highlights the correlation between economic factors and healthcare resources available for dementia diagnosis and treatment.
Additionally, the Eurostat data reveals a concerning increase in dementia-related deaths across various countries compared to 2011. Germany, Luxembourg, Lichtenstein, and Austria witnessed the highest spikes. Experts also emphasize the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals living with dementia. The closure of essential support services and enforced lockdowns plunged them into a constant state of confusion and anxiety, exacerbating their mental and physical health.
This issue extends beyond Malta’s borders. Studies conducted in Northern Ireland found that dementia and Alzheimer’s were the most common pre-existing conditions linked to COVID-19 deaths. In England and Wales, dementia accounted for as much as a quarter of all pandemic-related deaths.
As countries grapple with addressing the rise in dementia cases and related deaths, it is crucial to focus on raising awareness, early diagnosis, and implementing support measures for affected individuals. The findings from this Eurostat report serve as a wake-up call for governments and healthcare systems to prioritize dementia care and invest in resources that can help individuals lead dignified lives while managing this condition.
