Global and U.S. Overview of Dementia in 2025
The prevalence of dementia continues to be a growing global health challenge, with estimates for 2025 highlighting its substantial impact. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the global scale of dementia, noting that over 57 million people are living with the condition worldwide. The Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) forecasts that this number will continue to surge in the coming decades, especially in low- and middle-income countries, which already bear a significant burden of the disease. In the United States, the situation is similarly pressing. The Alzheimer's Association's 2025 report estimates that 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older have Alzheimer's dementia, the most common form of the disease.
United States Dementia Statistics in 2025
Several studies and reports provide a more granular look at the state of dementia in the U.S. in 2025:
- Prevalence in Older Adults: The Alzheimer's Association's 2025 report states that an estimated 7.2 million Americans age 65 and older have Alzheimer's dementia. This means approximately 1 in 9 people in this age group are affected.
- Racial and Ethnic Disparities: Stark disparities in prevalence exist across different racial and ethnic groups. For instance, older Black Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer's or other dementias as older Whites, while older Hispanics are about one and a half times as likely.
- Disproportionate Impact on Women: Women are significantly more affected by Alzheimer's and other dementias. Not only are almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's women, but at age 65, women have nearly double the lifetime risk of developing the disease compared to men.
- Unpaid Caregivers: The burden of caregiving is substantial. In 2024, nearly 12 million Americans provided an estimated 19.2 billion hours of unpaid care for friends and family members with dementia, an economic value of $413 billion.
Global Dementia Picture: Low- and Middle-Income Countries
The rising global prevalence of dementia is a major concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). According to the Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI), much of the projected increase in dementia cases will occur in these regions.
- Disproportionate Growth: While in 2020, 60% of people with dementia lived in LMICs, this is projected to increase to 71% by 2050.
- Infrastructure Challenges: Many LMICs lack the necessary infrastructure, trained medical professionals, and diagnostic capacity to effectively address the growing burden of dementia.
- Diagnostic Gap: Up to three-quarters of individuals with dementia globally have not received an official diagnosis, a statistic that is significantly higher in regions with limited healthcare resources.
Comparison of Alzheimer's Disease vs. All Dementias
It is important to distinguish between Alzheimer's disease and all forms of dementia, though the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia, but other types also exist.
| Feature | Alzheimer's Disease (AD) | All Dementias (Including AD) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A specific, progressive disease that causes brain changes (plaques and tangles) | A general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life |
| Causes | Specific brain changes linked to protein buildup (amyloid and tau) | Various causes, including Alzheimer's, vascular issues, Lewy bodies, and frontotemporal disorders |
| Symptoms | Starts with memory loss but progresses to include confusion, language problems, and behavioral changes | A range of symptoms depending on the type and cause, including memory loss, communication difficulties, and impaired judgment |
| Prevalence (US 2025) | ~7.2 million Americans 65+ with Alzheimer's dementia | Includes Alzheimer's, with USC Schaeffer estimating 5.6 million people with dementia overall |
Societal and Economic Impact
The economic and social costs of dementia are immense. The USC Schaeffer Center estimated that the total societal cost of dementia in the U.S. would be $781 billion in 2025. This includes direct medical and long-term care costs, as well as the value of unpaid caregiving and reduced quality of life for both patients and their families. Family caregivers alone provide billions of hours of unpaid care, often experiencing emotional, physical, and financial strain as a result.
The aging of the global population means that without significant medical breakthroughs, the number of people affected by dementia will continue to grow, placing an even greater strain on healthcare systems and support networks. Research and policy initiatives, including the development of new diagnostics and treatments, are critical for addressing this future challenge.
Conclusion
The number of people living with dementia in 2025 underscores a major and escalating global health crisis. With millions affected both worldwide and in the United States, the disease's profound impact extends far beyond medical costs to include immense social and economic burdens. Addressing dementia effectively requires a multi-pronged approach that includes accelerated research into prevention and treatment, strengthening healthcare infrastructures, particularly in resource-limited countries, and providing robust support for caregivers. Acknowledging and acting upon these statistics is the first step toward mitigating the growing toll of dementia on individuals, families, and societies.
