Cases of Alzheimer’s set to quadruple by 2050, researchers predict

The global prevalence of Alzheimer’s will quadruple by 2050, to more than 100 million, according to research published yesterday.

Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, USA created a mathematical model using United Nations’ worldwide population forecasts and data on the incidence and mortality of Alzheimer’s.

They found that delaying the onset of the disease by on year would reduce the number of cases in 2050 by 12 million. Delaying disease onset and progression by two years would reduce the burden by more than 18 million cases.

William Thies, of the US-based Alzheimer’s Association said: “The number of people affected by Alzheimer’s disease is growing at an alarming rate, and the increasing financial and personal costs will have a devastating effect on the world’s economies, healthcare systems and families.” He said tackling the disease must be made a priority.

There are estimated to be 700,000 people with Alzheimer’s in the UK, a figure that could rise to 2.8m by 2050, if the forecasts are correct.

More information:

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