Dementia is a widespread and growing issue, affecting millions of people worldwide.
Published On:
October 1, 2023
Dementia is a widespread and growing issue, affecting millions of people worldwide. As we continue to live longer, the number of individuals with dementia is expected to rise. Here are 48 dementia statistics that provide insight into the impact of cognitive decline.
Top 10 Key Dementia Statistics
50 million people worldwide have dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases every year.
Dementia is the leading cause of death in England and Wales.
Women are more likely than men to develop Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia.
The cost of dementia care globally is estimated to be $1 trillion annually.
In the United States, someone develops Alzheimer's disease every 65 seconds.
By 2030, it is projected that over 75 million people will have dementia worldwide.
Dementia disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries, where resources for diagnosis and treatment are limited.
People with less education are at a higher risk for developing dementia later in life.
Caregivers of individuals with dementia often experience high levels of stress and burnout.
Research shows that lifestyle factors such as exercise and a healthy diet can reduce the risk of developing dementia.
Prevalence of Dementia
There are currently an estimated 55 million people worldwide living with dementia. (World Health Organization)
The number of individuals living with dementia is expected to triple by 2050. (World Health Organization)
Dementia is the 7th leading cause of death worldwide. (World Health Organization)
In the United States, 1 in 10 individuals over the age of 65 has Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia. (Alzheimer's Association)
By 2050, it is estimated that 13.8 million Americans will have Alzheimer's disease. (Alzheimer's Association)
Dementia Statistics in the U.S.
In the United States, Alzheimer's disease is the 6th leading cause of death.
Every 66 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer's disease.
The total cost of caring for individuals with Alzheimer's and other dementias in the United States is projected to reach $355 billion in 2021.
African Americans are about twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's or other dementias as older whites.
Approximately two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's are women.
Dementia Statistics by Age
In individuals aged 65 and older, the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease doubles every five years. (Alzheimer's Association)
The risk of developing dementia increases significantly after age 65, with one-third of seniors over the age of 85 having Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. (National Institute on Aging)
Approximately 5% of individuals with Alzheimer's disease have early-onset Alzheimer's, which typically develops between the ages of 30 and 60. (Alzheimer's Association)
While rare, there are cases of individuals under the age of 30 developing dementia due to genetic mutations. (National Institute on Aging)
In low- and middle-income countries, the prevalence of dementia is highest among those aged 60 and older. (World Health Organization)
Younger onset dementia affects individuals under the age of 65 and accounts for approximately 10% of all cases. (Alzheimer's Society)
Research shows that lifestyle factors such as exercise can reduce the risk of developing dementia in individuals over the age of 80. (Alzheimer's Society)
Dementia Statistics by Gender
Women are more likely than men to develop Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia. (Alzheimer's Association)
In the United States, two-thirds of individuals with Alzheimer's disease are women. (Alzheimer's Association)
Women also make up the majority of caregivers for individuals with dementia. In fact, 60% of unpaid caregivers are female. (Alzheimer's Association)
Men with dementia tend to have a faster rate of cognitive decline than women with dementia. (National Institute on Aging)
However, men may be underdiagnosed or diagnosed later in life due to differences in symptom presentation and reluctance to seek medical help. (National Institute on Aging)
Studies suggest that estrogen may play a protective role against Alzheimer's disease in women prior to menopause, but more research is needed to fully understand this relationship. (Alzheimer's Society)
On the other hand, testosterone has been linked to an increased risk of developing dementia in men. (Alzheimer's Society)
Dementia Statistics by Race
African Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's disease compared to non-Hispanic whites. (Alzheimer's Association)
Hispanic Americans are one and a half times more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease compared to non-Hispanic whites. (Alzheimer's Association)
African Americans and Hispanic Americans are less likely than non-Hispanic whites to receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. (Alzheimer's Association)
Native Americans have a higher prevalence of dementia than any other racial group in the United States. (National Institute on Aging)
Asian Americans have a lower prevalence of dementia compared to other racial groups in the United States. However, this may be due in part to underdiagnosis or cultural differences in reporting symptoms. (National Institute on Aging)
In low- and middle-income countries, the prevalence of dementia is highest among those aged 60.
Dementia Statistics by Country
In China, it is estimated that there are over 9 million people living with dementia. (Alzheimer's Disease International)
Japan has the highest proportion of individuals aged 65 and older in the world, with an estimated 5.3 million people living with dementia. (Alzheimer's Disease International)
In India, the number of individuals living with dementia is expected to triple by 2050, reaching over 13 million people. (The Lancet)
The United Kingdom has over 850,000 people living with dementia, and this number is expected to rise to over one million by 2025. (Alzheimer's Society)
Australia has an estimated 459,000 individuals living with dementia, with this number projected to increase to over one million by 2058. (Dementia Australia)
Economic Impact of Dementia
The global cost of dementia care is estimated to be $1 trillion USD. (World Health Organization)
The total estimated worldwide cost of dementia was US$ 818 billion in 2015, which represented 1.09% of global GDP at that time. The annual global cost of dementia is now aboveUS $ 1.3 trillionand is expected to rise to US$2.8 trillionby 2030
In the United States, the cost of caring for individuals with Alzheimer's disease is expected to exceed $1 trillion USD by 2050. (Alzheimer's Association)
Family and friends provide the majority of care for individuals with dementia, with estimated unpaid care valued at $257 billion USD in the United States in 2020. (Alzheimer's Association)
Caregivers of individuals with dementia are at increased risk for depression and anxiety. (Alzheimer's Association)
Risk Factors for Dementia
Age is the greatest risk factor for dementia, with the likelihood of developing dementia doubling every 5 years after the age of 65. (World Health Organization)
Women are more likely than men to develop dementia. (Alzheimer's Society)
Genetics play a role in the development of dementia, with certain genes increasing the risk of developing the disease. (Alzheimer's Association)
Lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, may influence the risk of developing dementia. (Alzheimer's Association)
Impact on Daily Life
Individuals with dementia may experience difficulty with memory, communication, and daily tasks. (Alzheimer's Society)
Caregivers of individuals with dementia may experience high levels of stress and fatigue. (Alzheimer's Association)
Social isolation is common among individuals with dementia and their caregivers. (Alzheimer's Association)
Progress in Dementia Research
There is currently no cure for dementia, but there are treatments available that can help manage symptoms. (World Health Organization)
Research into potential treatments and prevention strategies for dementia is ongoing. (Alzheimer's Association)
The number of clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease has increased by 38% since 2015. (Alzheimer's Association)
Conclusion
Dementia is a complex and challenging issue that affects millions of people around the world. It is a progressive condition that can cause memory loss, confusion, and difficulties with communication and daily activities. However, with increased awareness and understanding, we can better support individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.
By staying informed and supporting research, we can work towards a future where dementia is no longer a major public health concern. There is currently no cure for dementia, but research is ongoing and new treatments are being developed all the time. It's important to support these efforts and raise awareness about the impact of dementia on individuals, families, and communities.
Together, we can help create a more supportive and understanding world for those living with dementia and their caregivers.
