Global Dementia Cases Expected to Double by 2050

A study published in JAMA Neurology projects that annual new dementia cases worldwide will rise from 11.4 million in 2023 to 24.7 million by 2050, largely as populations age. An analysis of 38,418 people across 18 countries found higher incidence among women than men and in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries. Researchers say the disparities—and the scale of the projected increase—make prevention, earlier identification, and better diagnosis and care urgent priorities; they also call for further investigation into factors that may contribute to women’s higher risk.