Statistics

As of 2010, there are an estimated 35.6 million people with dementia worldwide. By 2050, it is projected that this figure will have increased to over 115 million. Much of the increase will be in developing countries. Already 58% of people with dementia live in developing countries, but by 2050 this will rise to 71%. The fastest growth in the elderly population is taking place in China, India, and their south Asian and western Pacific neighbours.

ADI's World Alzheimer Report 2009 presents the most comprehensive global prevalence study of dementia to date and looks at levels of mortality, disability, strain on carers and dependency. The report includes estimates of the number of people with dementia in each world region. The World Alzheimer Report 2010 provides the clearest, most comprehensive global picture yet of the economic impact of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

A previous study of dementia prevalence conducted by Dr Cleusa Ferri, Prof Martin Prince and others for Alzheimer's Disease International was published in The Lancet (366:2112-2117) in 2005. Supplementary information for the article is available.