Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias: Growing Global Health Crisis

Strategic Insights -

A recent study published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience has highlighted the growing global health crisis of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias (ADOD), driven by the rapid aging of the population. According to the research, ADOD incidence, prevalence, and mortality increased significantly between 1990 and 2021, with high fasting blood glucose being the leading modifiable risk factor contributing to 14.70% of global ADOD mortality. The study emphasizes the need for tailored strategies to reduce the ADOD burden, particularly in lower Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) nations.

Key Takeaways:

  • ADOD incidence, prevalence, and mortality increased significantly between 1990 and 2021, with the greatest increases occurring in middle-SDI regions.
  • High fasting blood glucose was the leading modifiable risk factor, contributing to 14.70% of global ADOD mortality, followed by elevated BMI and tobacco use.
  • Burden trends varied across SDI regions, with high-middle SDI regions showing the highest prevalence.
  • Gender-specific risk factor rankings showed high BMI as the second most significant factor in females, while tobacco use ranked second in males but declined over time.
  • Decomposition analysis revealed the greatest increases in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) occurred in middle-SDI regions.
  • The study emphasizes the need for international collaboration and open data sharing to build a life-course management model for ADOD prevention and care.
  • Tailored strategies focusing on strengthening healthcare systems, targeting high-risk populations, and improving health education are essential to narrow the gaps in ADOD burden.

Statistics:

  • ADOD incidence increased by 156.54% between 1990 and 2021.
  • ADOD prevalence increased by 160.81% between 1990 and 2021.
  • ADOD mortality increased by 194.39% between 1990 and 2021.
  • High fasting blood glucose contributed to 14.70% of global ADOD mortality.
  • Elevated BMI and tobacco use were the second and third most significant modifiable risk factors for ADOD mortality, respectively.

Sources:

  • Global burden of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias (1990-2021): inequality, frontier, and decomposition analysis. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 2025;17:1637029.
  • Recent Findings from Fujian Cancer Hospital Advance Knowledge in Alzheimer Disease [Global burden of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias (1990-2021): inequality, frontier, and decomposition analysis]. Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 20, 2025; p 682.