SENILE DEMENTIA IN FRANCE - ESTIMATING TH E CURRENT BURDEN AND PROJECTING FUTURE-TRENDS

An estimate of the number of persons in France presently suffering fro m senile dementia has been made using a meta-analysis derived from rec ent epidemiological studies in conjunction with population statistics from the 1990 INSEE census. The results suggest that the number is les s than has previously been estimated, but that significant increases c an be expected in coming years if no efficient treatment is found for these disorders and the life expectancy of persons with dementia is no t reduced. The importance of these observations in terms of public hea lth planning extends beyond the help required for the elderly dementin g person, to the implications of such an epidemic for family care-give rs.