Global dementia surge: Alzheimer's cases to hit 139 million by 2050

Dementia cases are rising sharply worldwide, with Alzheimer's disease leading the increase. By 2030, an estimated 78 million people will live with dementia, climbing to 139 million by 2050. Kazakhstan has seen a particularly steep rise in registered cases over recent years. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive and irreversible neurological condition. It accounts for 60-70% of all dementia cases and ranks as the seventh leading cause of death globally. Early symptoms often include memory loss, confusion, financial mismanagement, and shifts in mood.

In 2019, the global economic burden of dementia hit $1.3 trillion. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in March 2023 that over 55 million people were living with dementia worldwide. Of these, Alzheimer's affects roughly 22 to 27.5 million, with the remainder suffering from other dementia forms. Kazakhstan's recorded Alzheimer's cases have surged from 496 in 2021 to 3,706 by 2025. This increase partly reflects better recognition and registration of cases. However, access to early diagnosis at the primary healthcare level remains limited, leaving many undiagnosed or treated late.

The upward trend in Alzheimer's cases highlights a growing public health challenge. Kazakhstan's rising numbers point to both improved reporting and an ageing population. Without better early detection and treatment, the social and economic costs will continue to climb.