Alzheimer’s Rates by Country 2026

Alzheimer’s Disease is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder. It progresses over time and is characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes, caused by abnormal protein buildup in the brain. In this article, we’ll refer to Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias by using a convention of an umbrella term “Alzheimer’s.”

Top 10 Country Highlights

1. Japan

The country with the highest rate of Alzheimer’s Disease is Japan. There are 3,079 cases of Alzheimer’s for every 100,000 people in this country. These numbers and statistics put Japan in the extremely high occurrence and high prevalence range for the disease. Interestingly, females are much more likely to have Alzheimer’s in Japan than males. In 2020, approximately 574,000 females and 220,000 males were receiving treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. This disparity is largely attributed to women’s longer life expectancy, as the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease increases with age.

2. Italy

Italy has 2,270 Alzheimer’s disease cases for every 100,000 people, making it the country with the second highest rate of this disorder globally. Italy’s high rate of Alzheimer’s can be traced to its aging population, better medical testing, increasing consumption of processed foods, and even environmental factors like pollution.

3. Slovenia

Another European country ranks high on our list regarding Alzheimer’s Disease prevalence in the world. In Slovenia, there are 1,963 cases of Alzheimer’s Disease for every 100,000 people.

4. Monaco

In Monaco, there are 1,962 Alzheimer’s disease cases for every 100,000 people. This country ranks fourth on the list of countries with the most Alzheimer’s disease cases. In Monaco, people live some of the longest lives in the world, which is amazing—but it also means they’re more likely to face age-related issues like Alzheimer’s. Even with top-notch healthcare, simply living longer increases the chances of developing this condition.

5. Greece

Greece ranks fourth on the list of countries with the most Alzheimer’s Disease cases, with 1,875 cases for every 100,000 people. While the traditional Mediterranean diet in Greece, with plenty of fruits, veggies, olive oil, and fish, is great for brain health, more people are shifting toward processed foods and sugary treats. Favorites like pastries and desserts, loaded with refined sugars, can lead to health issues like inflammation and higher risks for Alzheimer’s over time.

6. Germany

Another European country ranks high on our list regarding Alzheimer’s Disease prevalence in the world. In Germany, there are 1,864 cases of Alzheimer’s Disease for every 100,000 people. High rates of Alzheimer’s in Germany can be attributed to its aging population, as the country has one of the highest proportions of elderly individuals in Europe, and also to increasing awareness and diagnostic capabilities that lead to more cases being identified.

7. Estonia

Seventh on the list of top eight countries is Estonia, with 1,832 Alzheimer’s Disease cases for every 100,000 people. Estonia’s high rates of Alzheimer’s likely come down to a mix of factors—like an aging population and common health issues such as high blood pressure and smoking—combined with limited access to specialized dementia care.

8. Latvia

Another European country is featured on our list. Latvia ranked 8th among countries with the most cases of Alzheimer’s Disease. In this country, there are 1,806 cases for every 100,000 people. In Latvia, Alzheimer’s rates are on the rise, largely due to an aging population and health factors like high blood pressure, heart disease, and smoking. Like many places, limited access to early diagnosis and specialized care can make it harder for families to catch and manage the disease early, adding to the everyday challenges of those affected.

9. Lithuania

Yet another European country is on our list – Lithuania, ranking 9th among countries with the most cases of Alzheimer’s Disease. In this country, there are 1,805 cases for every 100,000 people. In Lithuania, rising Alzheimer’s rates reflect both an aging population and lifestyle factors like poor diet and high stress levels. While awareness of the disease is growing, early diagnosis and specialized care can still be hard to come by—especially outside the cities—leaving many families to deal with memory loss without much support.

10. Portugal

Rounding out the list, Portugal has one of the highest rates of Alzheimer’s Disease, with 1,785 cases for every 100,000 people. In Portugal, Alzheimer’s is more common as the population ages, and lifestyle plays a big role. While traditional meals with fresh, healthy ingredients can help, more people are turning to processed foods, which aren’t as good for brain health. On top of that, in some areas, it’s harder to catch the disease early due to limited resources and awareness.