Key takeaways
- Every 3 seconds, someone in the world develops dementia (Alzheimer’s Disease Association).
- In 2020, more than 55 million people worldwide were living with dementia (Alzheimer’s Disease Association).
- The number of people with Alzheimer’s dementia is expected to almost double every 20 years, reaching 78 million in 2030 and a whopping 139 million in 2050 (Alzheimer’s Disease Association).
- Alzheimer’s dementia is most common in senior between 75-84 years (Statista).
- Women face a higher likelihood of developing dementia over their lifetime than men (Alzheimer’s society).
- One out of every three seniors faces die with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia (Alzheimer’s Association).
- Alzheimer's causes more deaths among seniors than both breast cancer and prostate cancer combined (Alzheimer’s Association).
- The number of people with Alzheimer's may go up to 13.8 million by 2060 (Alzheimer’s Association Report)
Alzheimer's dementia, often simply referred to as Alzheimer's, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting the brain. It is the most common form of dementia, accounting for a significant majority of dementia cases. Alzheimer's disease primarily impacts cognitive functions, memory, and behavior, leading to a decline in the individual's ability to carry out daily activities.
The exact cause of Alzheimer's is not fully understood, but it is associated with the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, including beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors may also contribute.
Key Features of Alzheimer's Dementia
- Memory Loss: One of the hallmark symptoms is difficulty remembering recent events or retaining new information.
- Cognitive Decline: Individuals with Alzheimer's experience a gradual decline in thinking abilities, including reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making.
- Language Difficulties: Difficulty finding the right words, understanding conversations, or expressing oneself verbally.
- Disorientation: Confusion about time, place, and familiar surroundings is common. Individuals may get lost even in familiar settings.
- Mood and Personality Changes: Alzheimer's can lead to mood swings, increased irritability, and changes in personality.
How many people have Alzheimer’s Dementia?
Statistics from the Alzheimer’s Association shows that over 6 million Americans, spanning various age groups, are currently dealing with Alzheimer's. Specifically, in 2023, an estimated 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's.
Information from the Alzheimer’s Disease Association shows that every 3 seconds, someone in the world develops dementia. In 2020, more than 55 million people worldwide were living with dementia. This number is expected to almost double every 20 years, reaching 78 million in 2030 and a whopping 139 million in 2050. Most of the increase will happen in developing countries. The numbers show that dementia is becoming more common, especially in places where resources may be limited.
Alzheimer’s Dementia statistics by age
Information from Statista shows that Alzheimer’s dementia is most common in senior between 75-84 years. In the United States, approximately 38 percent of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's fall within the age range of 75 to 84 years. Additionally, around 27 percent of those affected by Alzheimer's fall within the age group of 65 to 74 years.
Alzheimer’s Dementia statistics by gender
Women face a higher likelihood of developing dementia over their lifetime, with nearly double the number of women diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, the most prevalent form of dementia, in comparison to men. This elevated risk can be attributed primarily to the fact that women tend to live longer than men, and advanced age stands as the most significant risk factor for the onset of this disease.
Frequently asked questions
Number of deaths caused by Alzheimer’s Dementia
One out of every three seniors faces Alzheimer's or another form of dementia, showing how common these conditions are among older adults. What's even more striking is that Alzheimer's causes more deaths among seniors than both breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. This highlights the urgent need for better understanding, care, and prevention strategies, especially as our population continues to age.
Future projections for Alzheimer’s dementia
The number of people with Alzheimer's may go up to 13.8 million by 2060 if we don't have new breakthroughs in medicine to prevent, slow down, or cure the disease. This shows a big challenge for the future.
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Sources
(2023), 2023 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures. Alzheimer's Dement., 19: 1598-1695. https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.13016
Alzheimer’s Disease Association. https://www.alzint.org/about/dementia-facts-figures/dementia-statistics/#:~:text=Someone%20in%20the%20world%20develops,will%20be%20in%20developing%20countries. Accessed 1/8/2024
Distribution of Alzheimer's disease among adults in the United States as of 2023. https://www.statista.com/statistics/452911/share-of-alzheimers-disease-patients-by-age-group-in-the-us/. Accessed 1/8/2024
Alzheimer’s society. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/why-dementia-different-women#:~:text=Women%20have%20a%20greater%20risk,risk%20factor%20for%20this%20disease. Accessed 1/8/2024
