Dementia

Memory; New memory; Old memory; Visuoconstructive abilities; Visuospatial abilities; Social cognition;

Around 9-10 million new cases per year are estimated worldwide - this corresponds to the global incidence of dementia. This figure is increasing with the ageing global population and the demographic shift towards older age groups.

Across Germany (2023), around 364,000 to 445,000 new cases are estimated for the 65+ age group. This corresponds to ≈ 1,000-1,200 new cases every day.

Most cases of dementia are Alzheimer's-type cases (>60-70%). The annual number of new cases is expected to continue to rise due to the ageing of society. There are indications that incidence rates (especially among 65+) vary regionally and have been documented to be declining in some cases - e.g. due to changes in diagnostic behavior or preventive health measures.