Disease burden of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in older adults.

Publication date: Jul 20, 2026

BackgroundAlzheimer’s disease and other dementias are major contributors to mortality and disability in older adults worldwide, posing an escalating threat to individuals, families, and communities. ObjectiveThis study analyzed the global burden, sex disparities, and socioeconomic inequalities of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias among adults aged 65 and older from 1990 to 2021. MethodsData from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 were used to calculate age-standardized rates for prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs). Joinpoint regression analyzed temporal trends. Sex differences were quantified and correlated with the Socio-demographic Index (SDI), while cross-country inequality was assessed using the slope index of inequality (SII) and concentration index. ResultsIn 2021, an estimated 49. 1 million older adults lived with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Although age-standardized incidence rates were generally stable, a small increase occurred during the 2019-2021 COVID-19 pandemic. However, these observations cannot be inferred causality from the present data. Females bore a consistently higher burden than males, with disparities widening with age and lower SDI. Although sex differences in DALYs showed a slight global decline, the most significant disparities were found in Africa, Asia, and Australasia. Cross-country inequality (SII) decreased between 1990 and 2021. ConclusionsThe absolute burden of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias has grown substantially and disproportionately affects females. Persistent disparities necessitate targeted policies and investments to ensure equitable access to prevention, diagnosis, and care, particularly for women and populations in lower-SDI regions.

Semantics

Original Article