Scientists Predict Rise in Dementia Cases by 2050

By 2050, the number of people with dementia in Europe is expected to increase by nearly two-thirds (64%). This is reported in a new report by the European Alzheimer’s Disease Research Organization (Alzheimer Europe).

According to expert estimates, more than 9 million people in the 27 EU countries will already be living with dementia by 2025, and over 12 million if European countries outside the EU are included. Scientists say that by 2050, these numbers will rise to 14.3 million and nearly 19.9 million people, respectively. Thus, the number of dementia patients is expected to grow by 58% in the EU-27 countries and by 64% across Europe as a whole.

The report is based on updated demographic data and continues the analysis presented earlier in the European Dementia Report 2019. Overall, the total number of people with dementia in the EU projected for 2025 and 2050 is comparable to previous estimates.

However, researchers noted significant changes in the structure of prevalence: among men, dementia rates are higher in all age groups over 70, especially between 70 and 74. For women, the rates are more variable.

Alzheimer Europe emphasizes that the expected increase in patients underscores the urgent need for action. This includes the development of healthcare and social support systems capable of providing assistance to people with dementia at all stages—from diagnosis to end-of-life care.

Scientists reminded that dementia is a syndrome in which memory, thinking, communication, and spatial orientation gradually deteriorate. Dementia is not an inevitable part of aging: the main cause is now considered to be organic damage to the brain resulting from injury, disease, or the accumulation of toxic proteins.

Follow NEWS.am Medicine on Facebook and Twitter