Has Dementia Become More Common?

"With people living longer and surviving other illnesses, the number of people developing dementia and Alzheimer disease is increasing," says the ONS.

Why is there more dementia now?

People are living longer

Due to medical advances, more people than ever are surviving heart disease, strokes and many cancers. Age is the biggest risk factor for dementia, so as we are living longer the number of people developing dementia is increasing.

Is dementia increasing or decreasing?

Rates of dementia

Worldwide, around 55 million people have dementia, with over 60% living in low- and middle-income countries. As the proportion of older people in the population is increasing in nearly every country, this number is expected to rise to 78 million in 2030 and 139 million in 2050.