New Study Reveals Declining Dementia Risk Among Younger Generations

A recent study conducted by a team of economists led by Xiaoxue Dou from the University of Queensland has revealed promising findings regarding the prevalence of dementia among younger generations. The research, published in JAMA Network Open on June 10, 2025, indicates that individuals born more recently exhibit a lower risk of developing dementia as they age, in contrast to previous generations.

Dementia has emerged as a critical global health issue, with the number of individuals living with neurodegenerative diseases projected to rise from 57 million in 2021 to 153 million by 2050, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The study highlights a potential shift in this trend, suggesting that the percentage of people affected by dementia may be decreasing among certain demographics, particularly in the United States, Europe, and England.

The research team utilized a cross-sectional observational study design, analyzing health survey data representative of diverse populations across the US, Europe, and England. They specifically focused on individuals aged 71 years and older, categorizing the data into four-year age groups. Notably, the results indicated that younger birth cohorts had lower age-specific dementia prevalence rates: 21.2% in the US, 38.9% in Europe, and 28.3% in England.

Sabrina Lenzen, an economist and co-author of the study, explained in an interview with Nicola Davis at The Guardian that, for instance, among Americans aged 81 to 85, the prevalence of dementia decreased from 25.1% for those born between 1890 and 1913 to 15.5% for those born between 1939 and 1943.

While the findings are encouraging, the study authors caution that their data may not fully represent dementia risk across minority groups, indicating a potential gap in understanding the broader implications of these trends. Nonetheless, the research suggests that although aging populations will likely lead to an increase in the absolute number of dementia cases, the overall percentage of individuals affected may decline.

This generational decrease in dementia risk holds significant implications for health care planning, long-term care policies, and workforce requirements in aging populations. As societies grapple with the challenges of an aging demographic, understanding these trends will be essential for developing effective strategies to support affected individuals and their families.

In conclusion, while the study offers a hopeful perspective on dementia prevalence among younger generations, further research is necessary to explore the underlying factors contributing to this decline and to ensure comprehensive care for all populations. The findings underscore the importance of continued public health efforts and research to address the complexities of dementia and its impact on society.