Annual dementia cases may double by 2050

A global analysis reveals differences in dementia incidence by sex and country income, with implications for future prevention and care.

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A meta-analysis of 38,418 adults aged 60 years or older across 22 longitudinal cohorts estimated global dementia incidence at 9.7 cases per 1,000 person-years.
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Researchers projected annual new dementia cases worldwide would rise from approximately 11.4 million in 2023 to 24.7 million by 2050, a 117% increase.
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Age-standardized dementia incidence was higher among women than men, at 10.6 versus 8.6 cases per 1,000 person-years, although crude rates did not differ significantly.
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Age- and sex-standardized incidence was 13.6 cases per 1,000 person-years in low- and middle-income countries and 8.3 in high-income countries.
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The projections assumed constant age- and sex-specific incidence rates, so the estimated increase reflected demographic aging rather than demonstrated changes in dementia risk.

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