In January 2026, Alzheimer Europe published “The Prevalence of Dementia in Europe 2025” — the most comprehensive study to date on the spread of dementia across the continent. The findings are alarming: by 2050, the number of people living with dementia in Europe will increase by 64 percent.
According to the report, approximately 9.07 million people are living with dementia in the 27 EU member states in 2025. Including non-EU European countries, the figure rises to over 12.1 million. By 2050, these numbers are projected to reach 14.3 million in the EU and nearly 19.9 million across all of Europe.
Women are disproportionately affected — of the 12.1 million people with dementia in Europe, approximately 8 million are women and 4.1 million are men, largely due to women’s longer average life expectancy.
Germany currently has an estimated 1.8 million people living with dementia. By 2055, this figure could rise to 2.6 to 2.8 million, according to the Federal Statistical Office. About two-thirds of nursing home residents already experience cognitive impairments, and the demand for specialized dementia care staff is growing rapidly.
Austria has approximately 150,000 people with dementia, a number expected to exceed 260,000 by 2050. Switzerland currently records around 155,000 cases with similar growth projections. Both countries face growing challenges in training sufficient specialized care workers.
In Poland, an estimated over 500,000 people live with dementia, though the actual number may be significantly higher due to widespread underdiagnosis. European research shows that Poland has one of the highest rates of unrecognized dementia, particularly in the 70–79 age group.
The Czech Republic and Slovakia together have approximately 200,000 people affected. Both countries struggle with late diagnosis and insufficient specialist care infrastructure. In Ukraine, the situation is further complicated by the war, which has limited access to healthcare and disrupted family support networks.
Despite the sobering projections, there is hope. Current research suggests that up to 45 percent of dementia cases may be linked to modifiable risk factors. Regular physical activity, social engagement, healthy diet, hearing care, and managing hypertension and diabetes can significantly reduce risk.
The World Economic Forum highlighted in March 2026 five surprising ways to protect brain health — including maintaining social connections, lifelong learning, and quality sleep.
As dementia numbers rise, so does the need for qualified caregivers who can address the specific needs of these patients. Dementia care requires patience, empathy, and specialized knowledge — qualities that cannot be replaced by technology alone.
OPK.CARE connects qualified care workers from Eastern Europe with care facilities in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland — professionally, ethically, and with a deep understanding of the needs of both patients and staff.
The projections from Alzheimer Europe make it clear: Europe must prepare now for a future with significantly more dementia patients. This means greater investment in prevention, research, workforce recruitment, and specialized care. The time to act is now.
Sources: Alzheimer Europe (January 2026), World Economic Forum, Destatis
March 16, 2026
