79 Dementia & Alzheimer's Statistics & Facts

April 26, 2023

How Common Is Dementia?

Dementia is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a chronic disorder that affects a person's memory, thinking, and behavior. Dementia is a disease that can impact people of all ages, but it is more prevalent in older adults. In this article, we will explore some of the most significant dementia statistics and how many people are affected by this condition.

Key Dementia Statistics

Someone in the world develops dementia every 3 seconds.
There are more than 55 million people worldwide living with dementia, as of 2020. Dementia's prevalence will nearly double every two decades, reaching 78 million in 2030 and 139 million in 2050.
60% of people with dementia live in low and middle income countries. By 2050 this number will increase to 71%.
In the United States, approximately 5.8 million people are living with Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia.
Every year worldwide, there are more than 10 million new cases of dementia.
By 2050, it is estimated that the number of people living with Alzheimer's disease in the United States will reach 14 million.
Dementia is more common in older adults, with the risk increasing as people age. Approximately one in three seniors dies with dementia.
Women are more likely to develop dementia than men. This may be due to the fact that women tend to live longer than men.
In the United States, African Americans and Hispanics are more likely to develop dementia than Caucasians.
Approximately 10% of people with dementia are diagnosed before the age of 65. This is known as early-onset dementia.
The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, which accounts for between 60-80% of all cases.
Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia, accounting for approximately 10% of cases.
Lewy body dementia is the third most common form of dementia, accounting for approximately 5-10% of cases.
There is currently no cure for dementia, but there are medications that can help manage symptoms.
In the United States, the cost of caring for people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias is estimated to be $305 billion in 2020.
By 2050, the cost of caring for people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias is expected to increase to $1.1 trillion.
The number of people living with dementia is expected to triple by 2050.
The risk of developing dementia is increased by certain lifestyle factors, including smoking, high blood pressure, and a sedentary lifestyle.
There is some evidence to suggest that a healthy diet and regular exercise may help reduce the risk of developing dementia.
The symptoms of dementia can vary depending on the type of dementia a person has.
The symptoms of dementia typically progress over time, with people experiencing increasing difficulty with memory, communication, and behavior.
In addition to memory loss, people with dementia may experience changes in personality, mood, and behavior.
People with dementia may also experience difficulty with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, and eating.
The diagnosis of dementia typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and cognitive tests.
There is currently no single test that can definitively diagnose dementia.
The treatment of dementia typically involves medications to manage symptoms, as well as non-pharmacological interventions such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, and social support.
Non-pharmacological interventions such as music therapy and pet therapy may also be helpful in managing symptoms.
The progression of dementia can be unpredictable, with some people experiencing a slow decline over many years, while others experience a more rapid decline.
The life expectancy of people with dementia varies depending on the type of dementia and the individual's overall health.
People with dementia are at increased risk of falls, infections, and other medical complications.
Caregivers of people with dementia may experience significant stress and burnout.
There are a variety of resources available to support caregivers of people with dementia, including support groups and respite care.
People with dementia may be eligible for a variety of government benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
In addition to the financial costs of caring for people with dementia, there are also significant emotional costs for caregivers and family members.
People with dementia may experience significant social isolation, particularly as their symptoms progress.
The stigma surrounding dementia can make it difficult for people with the condition to access appropriate care and support.
There is currently no way to prevent dementia, but there are steps that people can take to reduce their risk, including maintaining a healthy lifestyle and staying socially engaged.
The impact of dementia extends beyond the individual with the condition, with significant costs to families, communities, and society as a whole.
Research into the causes and treatment of dementia is ongoing, with the hope that new treatments and therapies will be developed in the future.
The World Health Organization has identified dementia as a public health priority, with a goal of improving diagnosis, treatment, and care for people with the condition.
The prevalence of dementia varies significantly by country and region, with higher rates observed in Western Europe, North America, and some parts of Asia.
The number of people with dementia in low- and middle-income countries is expected to increase significantly in the coming years.
There is a significant disparity in access to diagnosis and treatment for people with dementia around the world.
The burden of caring for people with dementia falls primarily on family members, particularly women.
There is a significant need for more research into the causes and treatment of dementia, as well as better support for caregivers and families.
The impact of dementia on individuals, families, and society as a whole is significant and growing.
There is a significant need for increased public awareness and education about dementia, including the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
The development of new treatments and therapies for dementia is a critical public health priority.
Improved support for caregivers and families of people with dementia is essential to ensure that people with the condition receive the care and support they need.
Governments and policymakers must take action to address the growing burden of dementia on society, including increased funding for research and support services.
The impact of dementia on individuals and families is significant and growing, and it is essential that we take action now to address this critical public health issue.
Through increased awareness, research, and support, we can work together to improve the lives of people with dementia and their families, and ultimately find a cure for this devastating condition.

Economic Impact Of Dementia

The total worldwide cost of dementia was around $818 billion in 2015, which represented 1.09% of the global GDP at that time. The annual cost of dementia is more than $1.3 trillion globally, and it's expected to increase to $2.8 trillion by 2030.

Direct medical care costs account for around 20% of global dementia costs. Direct social sector costs and informal care costs each account for around 40%.

Dementia Diagnosis Rates

Most people currently living with dementia have not received a formal diagnosis. In high income countries, just 20-50% of dementia cases are recognized and documented in primary care.

Around 3 out of 4 people with dementia have not received a diagnosis, which means they don't have access to treatment, care and organized support that getting a formal diagnosis could provide them with.

Alzheimer's Facts & Statistics

More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's. By 2050, almost 13 million will have Alzheimer's.
1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer's or another dementia.
More than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer's or other dementias.
Around 1 in 9 people age 65 and older has Alzheimer's.
Nearly 66% of Americans with Alzheimer's are women.
Older Black Americans are around twice as likely to have Alzheimer's or other dementias as older Whites.
Older Hispanics are around one and one-half times as likely to have Alzheimer's or other dementias as older Whites.
Unpaid caregivers provided around 18 billion hours of care in 2022, which is worth $339.5 billion.
The lifetime risk for Alzheimer's at age 45 is 1 in 5 for women and 1 in 10 for men.
7 in 10 Americans want to know if they have Alzheimer's if it could allow them to get treatment earlier.
Just 4 in 10 Americans would speak to their doctor right away when experiencing cognitive or early memory loss.
Alzheimer's and other dementias will cost our nation $345 billion in 2023. By 2050 it could cost us almost $1 trillion.

FAQs

How many people have dementia?

As of 2020, over 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia. This number is projected to increase to 78 million in 2030 and 139 million in 2050.

Is dementia more common in certain countries or regions?

Yes, the prevalence of dementia varies significantly by country and region. Higher rates of dementia are observed in Western Europe, North America, and some parts of Asia.

What percentage of seniors die with dementia?

Around one in three (33%) seniors dies with dementia.

Are there certain populations that are at greater risk for developing dementia?

Yes, women are more likely to develop dementia than men. Additionally, African Americans and Hispanics in the United States have a higher risk of developing dementia than Caucasians.