The total prevalent cases of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by DSM-IV criteria in the eight major markets (8MM*) are set to register an annual growth rate (AGR) of 4.08% from 15.99 million in 2023 to 22.51 million in 2033, forecasts GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalData’s latest report, “Alzheimer’s Disease – Epidemiology Forecast to 2033,” reveals that China will have the highest number of total prevalent cases of AD by DSM-IV criteria among the 8MM at 10.4 million cases, whereas Spain will have the lowest number at 0.62 million cases in 2033.

Antara Bhattacharya, Associate Project Manager, Epidemiology team at GlobalData, comments: “In 2023, women were more affected than men, accounting for approximately 73% of the total prevalent cases.”

Older adults in ages 75 years and above accounted for almost 79% of the total prevalent cases of AD by DSM-IV criteria in the 8MM in 2023, while comparatively younger adults in ages 65-74 years accounted for approximately 21% of the cases.

GlobalData estimates that in 2023, approximately 55% of total prevalent cases of AD were mild, whereas only 16% of total prevalent cases of AD were severe.

Bhattacharya concludes: “Mortality remains a significant concern for individuals living with AD and their families. Efforts to prevent or delay the disease are expected to have a profound impact on long-term outcomes, as the value of treatment will largely depend on a therapy’s effectiveness in reducing morbidity and extending life expectancy.

“Therefore, extensive research can improve our understanding of the crucial relationship between AD and mortality. Moreover, the treatment for AD requires a multifaceted approach that integrates medical interventions, lifestyle modifications, ongoing support, along with clinical trials, and follow-up care.”

*8MM: The US, 5EU (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK), Japan, and China.