Dementia cases in Europe are projected to increase by up to 92% by 2060, according to new research. Dementia, a condition that impairs memory, concentration, thinking, and judgment, is becoming a growing concern worldwide.
A recent study, published in Nature Medicine on Monday, indicates that the risk of developing dementia after age 55 is now estimated to be 42%, double the figure previously reported. This increase is attributed to population aging. The study also suggests that dementia cases in the United States will double by 2060, mirroring trends observed globally.
Earlier research predicted a significant rise in dementia cases, with a 2022 study estimating that global cases could jump from 57.4 million in 2019 to nearly 153 million by 2050. For Europe, the figures are concerning: Western Europe is expected to see a 74% increase in cases, central Europe an 82% rise, and eastern Europe a staggering 92% surge.
While these numbers are alarming, experts stress that preventive measures can help reduce the risk of dementia, such as controlling high blood pressure and addressing other health conditions that negatively affect brain function. Dr. Josef Coresh, co-author of the study and a researcher at New York University (NYU) Langone Health, emphasized:
“All of our research suggests what you do in midlife really matters.”
Dementia involves the progressive decline of memory, language, and cognitive abilities, with Alzheimer’s being the most common form. Silent brain changes leading to Alzheimer’s may start decades before symptoms appear. Other types, such as vascular dementia, occur when heart disease or small strokes disrupt blood flow to the brain. Often, individuals experience mixed causes, where vascular issues exacerbate Alzheimer’s symptoms.
Dr. James Galvin, an Alzheimer’s expert at the University of Miami, pointed out:
“It’s not a guarantee that someone will develop dementia.” He noted that previous studies estimated that around 14% of men and 23% of women will develop some form of dementia during their lifetimes.
Coresh’s team analyzed data from a long-term U.S. study tracking the heart health and cognitive function of approximately 15,000 older adults. They found that the risk of dementia changes over time. Between the ages of 55 and 75, only 4% of people developed dementia—what Coresh calls the critical “20-year window” for protecting brain health. After age 75, the risk increases significantly, jumping to 20% by age 85 and 42% between 85 and 95.
The researchers concluded that lifetime dementia risk after age 55 is 35% for men and 48% for women, with women generally at a higher risk due to their longer life expectancy. Additionally, Black Americans have a slightly higher risk at 44% compared to white Americans, who have a 41% risk.
