Newsletter #29: Clinical Focus: Dementia
March 2026
Dementia is not a single disease. It is an umbrella term used to describe a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, reasoning, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life. While memory loss is the most recognized symptom, dementia affects far more than just remembering names or appointments.
Global Statistics on Dementia and Memory Loss
As of 2025, approximately 55 to 57 million people worldwide are living with dementia. Someone develops dementia every three to four seconds. By 2050, that number is expected to nearly triple, reaching between 139 and 153 million people globally. In the United States alone, approximately 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. This number is projected to increase to nearly 13.8 million by 2060.
A recent 2025 study suggests that individuals over age 55 face a 42% lifetime risk of developing dementia — more than double previous estimates. Women are disproportionately affected, representing nearly two-thirds of all Alzheimer’s patients. Among older adults, about 11% of women and 8% of men are diagnosed with dementia.
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