Fact Check: "Approximately 50 million people worldwide are living with dementia."
What We Know
The claim that "approximately 50 million people worldwide are living with dementia" is supported by various sources. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of 2021, there were 57 million people living with dementia globally, with projections indicating that this number is expected to triple by 2050 due to the aging population (WHO). Additionally, Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) reported that there were over 55 million people living with dementia in 2020, and this number is anticipated to reach 78 million by 2030 (ADI).
Moreover, the 2025 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report indicates that the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, is a significant contributor to these statistics ([source-1]).
Analysis
While the claim of "approximately 50 million" is somewhat dated, it is still within a reasonable range based on more recent data. The WHO's figure of 57 million people living with dementia in 2021 indicates that the claim is not only plausible but also slightly conservative. The increase in prevalence is attributed to factors such as improved diagnosis and an aging global population ([source-3], [source-4]).
However, it is essential to consider the reliability of the sources. The WHO is a reputable international public health organization, and its data is derived from comprehensive studies and reports. Similarly, ADI is a well-established organization dedicated to dementia awareness and research, making its statistics credible ([source-6], [source-8]).
In contrast, the figures from the 2025 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report focus primarily on the United States, which may not accurately reflect global statistics. Therefore, while the U.S. data is reliable for understanding the national context, it should not be extrapolated to make global claims without additional context ([source-1], [source-2]).
Conclusion
The claim that "approximately 50 million people worldwide are living with dementia" is Partially True. While the figure is somewhat outdated, it aligns closely with more recent estimates from credible sources, which indicate that the actual number is likely higher, around 57 million as of 2021. The claim captures the essence of the global dementia crisis but does not reflect the most current data available.
