The Growing Impact of Dementia: Statistics, Costs, and the Diagnosis Gap
Dementia is a critical global health issue, affecting millions of individuals, families, and communities worldwide. At The Dawn Study, we believe in raising awareness and understanding of the impacts of dementia. Here, we share some key insights into the current landscape of dementia and its far-reaching effects.
Dementia by the Numbers
The scale of dementia is immense and rapidly growing:
- In 2020, over 55 million people worldwide were living with dementia.
- Every 3 seconds, someone develops dementia, amounting to more than 10 million new cases each year.
- This number is expected to almost double every 20 years, reaching 78 million by 2030 and 139 million by 2050.
Much of this increase will take place in developing regions, where 60% of people with dementia currently reside. This figure is projected to reach 71% by 2050. As populations age, particularly in countries like China, India, and other South Asian and Western Pacific regions, dementia cases will continue to rise.
Economic Impact
Dementia’s financial burden is enormous:
- In 2015, the worldwide cost of dementia was estimated at US$ 818 billion, around 1.09% of the global GDP.
- Today, that cost has soared to over US$ 1.3 trillion and is expected to hit US$ 2.8 trillion by 2030.
These costs include:
- Medical Care: Direct medical expenses make up 20% of total costs.
- Social Care: Community and residential care services account for 40%.
- Informal Care: Unpaid caregiving by family members and friends also comprises 40% of the costs, with the highest proportion in African regions.
If dementia care were a country, it would be the 14th largest economy in the world—a sobering reality of the profound financial impact.
The Diagnosis Gap
A significant number of individuals with dementia remain undiagnosed:
- In high-income countries, only 20-50% of dementia cases are diagnosed.
- In low- and middle-income countries, this gap widens even further; for instance, up to 90% of cases in India go undiagnosed.
Without a diagnosis, people with dementia often lack access to essential treatment, care, and support services. The World Alzheimer Report highlights that early diagnosis and intervention are crucial in closing this gap, providing more people with the resources they need.
Moving Forward
The global response to dementia requires increased awareness, support, and resources to meet the needs of this growing population. At The Dawn Study, we’re committed to fostering knowledge and compassion in addressing the challenges posed by dementia worldwide. Together, we can build a future where those impacted by dementia have the support, care, and understanding they deserve.
*Data sourced from Alzheimer’s Disease International