Dementia and Alzheimer's disease in Europe - Statistics & Facts

Dementia is an overall term that covers a range of conditions, with the most prevalent type being Alzheimer's disease. The most common symptom associated with the condition is loss of memory and difficulty expressing and understanding thoughts leading to confusion. Other symptoms can include changes in mood, control of emotions, behavior, or motivation, sometimes these symptoms precede the onset of the declining cognitive functions affected by dementia. While dementia and Alzheimer’s disease mainly affect older people, it is important to remark that it is not a normal or inevitable part of the aging process. While there is no known underlying cause of dementia, health experts report that leading a healthy lifestyle prevents some of the risk factors that have been associated with dementia such as lack of exercise, smoking, and high blood pressure.

Dementia more common among women

In 2019, the incidence of dementia in Europe was approximately 188 per 100,000 population. Over the last few decades, the annual incidence of dementia has increased as the population in Europe grows older. Furthermore, dementia is more common among women compared to men by around double. The main reason for this also is that women have a higher life expectancy than men. In terms of mortality, in a year dementia caused the deaths of around 63 people per 100,000 in the United Kingdom. In countries such as Italy, Spain, and Greece it was forecast that around four percent of their populations will be living with dementia by 2050.

Morbidity due to dementia

Latvia had the highest number of potential years of life lost (PYLL) due to dementia across selected European countries at approximately 21 per 100,000 population. PYLL in Latvia affected men slightly worse than women, in contrast to women having a higher incidence of the condition. Across the whole of Europe, it was reported that years lived with disability (YLD) amounted to over 200 per 100,000 population. As populations continue to age in Europe the problem of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease will become even more critical. Although health policies that focus on things such as early detection and diagnosis and improved access to medical care will help to improve dementia outcomes and improve the quality of life for sufferers.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Statista Research Department, Jan 10, 2024

Key insights

Incidence of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias in Europe 2019 (per 100,000 population)
188.01
Share of adults living with dementia in Italy 2018
2.12%
Share of the population forecast to be living with dementia in Italy in 2050
4.13%
Get more insights

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Annual incidence of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias in Europe from 1990 to 2019 (per 100,000)

Diseases

Incidence of Alzheimer's disease in Europe 1990-2019

Share of adults living with dementia in Europe in 2018, by country

Diseases

Prevalence rate of dementia in Europe in 2018, by country

Share of population forecast to be living with dementia in Europe in 2050, by country

Diseases

Prevalence of dementia in Europe forecast for 2050, by country

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Dementia and Alzheimer's disease in the United States
Dementia and Alzheimer's disease in the United Kingdom (UK)
Dementia and Alzheimer's disease in the United Kingdom (UK)
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