Statistics
As of 2008, there are an estimated 30 million people with dementia worldwide. By 2050, it is projected that this figure will have increased to over 100 million. Much of the increase will be in developing countries. Already more than 60% of people with dementia live in developing countries, but by 2040 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.
Alzheimer's disease accounts for more than 50% of cases of dementia in Caucasian populations, but this may not apply to other national or ethnic groups, and more research is needed in this area.
To estimate the numbers of cases of dementia, we apply prevalence rates from studies to population figures. Very little is known about the prevalence of dementia outside the more developed countries (Europe, North America, Australasia and Japan), so it is difficult to estimate the number of cases of dementia worldwide. ADI supports the 10/66 Dementia Research Group, which aims to quantify prevalence and incidence rates in developing countries, so that we can make better estimates in those regions.
A 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.