Dementia cases set to double by 2050, with women at greatest risk

A comprehensive study from the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing at the University of NSW examined dementia incidence using data from 38,418 individuals in 18 countries. It reported 11.4 million new cases in 2023 and forecasts that annual diagnoses will climb to 24.7 million by 2050, with women bearing a larger share. Higher prevalence was linked to menopause, limited educational and occupational opportunities, and cardiometabolic issues such as obesity and inactivity.

Researchers highlighted that women in low- and middle-income nations face the greatest burden. The paper urges prioritising women’s brain health and developing scalable prevention and care solutions, especially in regions with limited resources. Experts also emphasized lifestyle measures—regular exercise, social engagement, a Mediterranean-style diet, and early health-check discussions—as ways to reduce risk.