Non-Communicable Diseases
Alzheimer’s Rates by Country 2026
- Values are for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
- Data are estimates from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation and are based upon the best available data. As all estimates involve some degree of possible inaccuracy, the highest and lowest imagined values are shown as well.
Alzheimer’s Disease A progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior and is the most common form of dementia.
Dementia A broad term for conditions involving cognitive decline severe enough to interfere with daily life.
Prevalence Rate The number of existing cases within a population, measured here per 100,000 people.
Japan and Europe Have the Highest Alzheimer’s Rates
Japan recorded the highest Alzheimer’s and dementia prevalence rate in the dataset in 2023, with approximately 2,711 cases per 100,000 people. Several European countries also ranked near the top, including Germany, Italy, Greece, Monaco, Finland, and Portugal. Canada, Australia, and the United States likewise reported relatively high prevalence rates compared to much of the world.
Many of the countries with the highest Alzheimer’s prevalence rates are located in Europe or East Asia and tend to have older populations overall. Japan, Germany, and Italy in particular are among the world’s oldest societies by median age, which contributes to higher rates of age-related neurological conditions. Smaller European states and territories such as Monaco and San Marino also ranked highly in the dataset despite their relatively small populations.
Aging Populations Strongly Influence Alzheimer’s Prevalence
Alzheimer’s disease becomes significantly more common with age, which is why countries with older populations generally report the highest prevalence rates. Many developed countries with long life expectancies—including Japan, Italy, Greece, Finland, and Germany—ranked near the top of the dataset. Improvements in healthcare and longevity allow more people to live into the age ranges where dementia becomes far more common.
By contrast, countries with younger populations generally reported much lower Alzheimer’s prevalence rates. Many nations in Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South Asia recorded rates below 200 cases per 100,000 people in 2023. Countries such as Niger, Chad, Nigeria, Zambia, and Afghanistan ranked among the lowest in the dataset, reflecting both younger average populations and lower overall life expectancy.
Alzheimer’s Rates Tend To Be Highest in Wealthier Countries
Many of the countries with the highest Alzheimer’s prevalence rates are high-income economies with advanced healthcare systems and longer average lifespans. Countries such as Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom all ranked relatively high in the dataset. Higher diagnosis rates and broader access to neurological care may also contribute to more cases being identified and recorded.
Several wealthier countries outside Europe also reported elevated prevalence rates. South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and Puerto Rico all ranked above the global median in 2023. In contrast, many lower-income countries reported substantially lower prevalence rates, though differences in healthcare infrastructure, diagnostic access, and population age structures can all influence reported Alzheimer’s statistics.
Many African and South Asian Countries Report Lower Rates
Many countries in Africa and South Asia recorded some of the lowest Alzheimer’s prevalence rates in the dataset in 2023. Niger, Chad, Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast all reported prevalence rates below 110 cases per 100,000 people. Several South Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, also ranked comparatively low.
These lower prevalence rates are closely tied to demographic differences. Countries with younger populations naturally tend to have fewer age-related neurological conditions overall. In many lower-income regions, shorter life expectancy and more limited access to specialized dementia diagnosis may also contribute to lower reported prevalence rates compared to aging populations in Europe, East Asia, and North America.
