A new report released by Alzheimer Europe provides updated figures on the prevalence of dementia across the continent. The "The Prevalence of Dementia in Europe 2025" report updates estimates for both EU and non-EU countries, using community-based studies published since 2019 and applying these to recent population projections from the United Nations World Population Prospects.
According to the report, in 2025 there will be an estimated 9 million people living with dementia in EU27 countries and more than 12 million across both EU and non-EU European countries. Looking ahead to 2050, those numbers are projected to rise significantly, reaching over 14 million in the EU27 and nearly 20 million when including non-EU countries. This marks a projected increase of 58% for EU27 countries and a 64% increase for all European countries combined over a span of 25 years.
When comparing current estimates with previous data from Alzheimer Europe's "Dementia in Europe Yearbook 2019," researchers found overall consistency in total numbers but noted that men aged over 70, especially those between ages 70-74, now show higher prevalence rates. For women, changes were less consistent across age groups.
Alzheimer Europe emphasizes that these rising figures highlight the need for policymakers to act. They call on both EU and national authorities to strengthen health and social care systems so they can adequately support people with dementia as well as their families and caregivers throughout all stages of care.
The organization also urges prioritization of research related to dementia—ranging from basic scientific inquiry into disease mechanisms to clinical research on diagnostics and treatments, along with demographic studies aimed at improving public health responses.
Alzheimer Europe notes that this report comes as the future direction of the EU budget is being discussed, expressing concern about potential reductions in funding for health, social affairs, and research relative to other areas like defense or economic competitiveness.
Their message is clear: without increased investment in health care infrastructure, research initiatives, and preventive strategies now, societies will face greater challenges as dementia becomes more common due to shifting demographics.
Jean Georges, Executive Director of Alzheimer Europe, commented:
"The scale of the challenge posed by dementia across Europe is substantial and it is our sincere hope that our updated figures provide the impetus for decision-makers, both at the European and national levels, to prioritise dementia and ensure it is addressed across the domains of health, research, disability policy and support for informal carers.
In particular, policy-makers must work to improve care services, make investments in health infrastructure for diagnosis and treatment, as well as help for family, carers and supporters of people with dementia. As part of this, they must take into consideration the changing demographics of the population and the prevalence of conditions such as dementia.
Our Helsinki Manifesto sets out a blueprint of actions, at the EU and national level, to improve the lives of people with dementia, their carers and families.
We reiterate the key calls from our Helsinki Manifesto: There is a clear need for a coordinated European Action Plan on Dementia and a dedicated research mission, each with ringfenced funding to ensure their proper implementation."
