Projected Surge in Dementia Cases by 2050: Key Risk Factors Identified

WHO:

Fast Company - Henry Brodaty, co-director of the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing at the University of New South Wales Sydney, co-author of the study.

Fast Company - Perminder Sachdev, co-director of the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, senior author of the study.

Fast Company - Dr. Liron Sinvani, director of research and innovation at the Northwell Institute for Healthy Aging and professor at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research in New York.

WHAT:

Fast Company - The number of dementia diagnoses is projected to more than double by 2050, reaching 24.7 million annually, up from 11.4 million in 2023.

Fast Company - The incidence of dementia is 10.6 cases per 1,000 people for women and 8.6 for men.

Fast Company - The incidence of dementia is 13.6 cases per 1,000 people in low- and middle-income countries, compared to 8.3 in high-income countries.

Fast Company - As of 2021, an estimated 57 million people worldwide were living with dementia.

Fast Company - Dementia is the seventh leading cause of death globally.

Fast Company - The financial toll of dementia was estimated at $1.3 trillion in 2019.

WHERE:

Fast Company - The study analyzed data from more than 38,000 people diagnosed with dementia across 18 countries or territories on six continents.

Fast Company - Low- and middle-income countries are experiencing rapid population aging and have limited resources for dementia care.

WHEN:

Fast Company - The study was published in JAMA Psychology.

WHY:

Fast Company - The increase in dementia cases is attributed to aging populations and the higher incidence in low- and middle-income countries.

Fast Company - The study authors emphasize the need for urgent investment in prevention efforts to address the projected increase in cases.

HOW:

Fast Company - The researchers recommend acting across the spectrum, from reducing modifiable risk factors to improving diagnosis, treatment, and care for dementia.

(UPDATED October 15, 2026 22:01 UTC)

A new study published in JAMA Psychology reveals that the number of dementia diagnoses is expected to more than double by 2050, reaching nearly 24.7 million annually, a significant rise from 11.4 million in 2023. The research, led by experts from the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing at the University of New South Wales and the Northwell Institute for Healthy Aging, highlights the urgent need for investment in prevention efforts, particularly as low- and middle-income countries face rapid population aging and limited resources for dementia care. With the incidence of dementia currently at 10.6 cases per 1,000 people for women and 8.6 for men, the study underscores the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors while improving diagnosis, treatment, and care for those affected.