The number of people living with dementia in Europe is set to explode by nearly two-thirds over the next 25 years, reaching almost 20 million people by 2050, according to a landmark report released today by Alzheimer Europe.
The report, titled “The Prevalence of Dementia in Europe 2025”, projects a demographic crisis that threatens to overwhelm healthcare systems across the continent unless urgent action is taken.
Launched today in Luxembourg, the study reveals that there are currently 12.1 million people living with dementia across Europe (including non-EU states). By 2050, that figure is projected to reach 19.9 million — a staggering 64 per cent increase. In the EU27, the number is expected to rise from 9.1 million to 14.3 million, a 58 per cent increase.
A looming crisis
The release of these figures comes at a politically sensitive moment. As the European Union debates its future budget, there is a palpable shift in focus toward defence and economic competitiveness, potentially at the expense of social affairs.
Alzheimer Europe warns that diverting attention from health funding could be catastrophic, given the demographic tidal wave revealed in their data.
“The scale of the challenge posed by dementia across Europe is substantial,” says Jean Georges, Executive Director of Alzheimer Europe. “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.”
Rising prevalence among men
The 2025 report updates the methodology used in the organisation’s 2019 Yearbook, applying new prevalence estimates to 2024 UN World Population Prospects data.
While the overall trajectory remains consistent with previous predictions, the new data highlights a specific, worrying trend: an increase in prevalence rates among men. The study observed consistently higher rates of dementia in men across all age groups over 70, with a particularly sharp rise in the 70–74 age band. The trends for women remained more mixed.
In response to the findings, Alzheimer Europe is reiterating its call for a coordinated “European Action Plan on Dementia.” The organisation argues that national systems alone cannot handle the coming surge in demand for diagnosis, treatment, and end-of-life care.
“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,” says Georges.
The organisation points to its “Helsinki Manifesto” as a blueprint for action, calling for ringfenced funding for research and a dedicated mission to improve the lives of those affected by the condition.
The cost of inaction
The report concludes with a stark warning to national leaders: the population is ageing, and the prevalence of the condition is growing.
“A failure to act now, to invest sufficiently in health, care and social protection systems… will exacerbate the challenges ahead,” the report states.
Research agendas must urgently prioritise not only clinical studies for new treatments but also demographic research to better understand the changing populations affected by the disease.
