The World Alzheimer Report 2010 provides the clearest, most comprehensive global picture yet of the economic impact of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

The report includes an estimate of the worldwide cost of dementia, including direct medical costs, direct non-medical costs and costs of informal (family) care. The estimates are broken down by world region and include analysis of the differences between low and high income countries.

The report also contains important policy recommendations and makes clear to key decision-makers that doing nothing is not an option.

The World Alzheimer Report 2010 is designed to build on the findings of the World Alzheimer Report 2009, which looks at the global prevalence of dementia.