Alzheimer’s disease is a growing global health challenge, especially as populations age. But not every country faces the same risk. Some nations have much higher rates of Alzheimer’s than others. This article explains which countries have the highest rates of Alzheimer’s disease, why these differences exist, and what factors might be involved. All medical statements are backed by authoritative sources, which are clearly cited.
## Which Countries Have the Highest Rates of Alzheimer’s Disease?
According to recent data, Japan has the highest rate of Alzheimer’s disease in the world, with 3,079 cases for every 100,000 people[1]. This means that out of 100,000 Japanese citizens, more than 3,000 are living with Alzheimer’s. The number of women with Alzheimer’s in Japan is much higher than men—about 574,000 women compared to 220,000 men were receiving treatment in 2020[1]. This gap is mainly because women tend to live longer, and age is the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s[1].
Italy comes in second, with 2,270 cases per 100,000 people[1]. Italy’s high rate is linked to its aging population, better medical testing that catches more cases, changes in diet (like eating more processed foods), and even environmental issues such as pollution[1].
Slovenia and Monaco are next on the list. Slovenia has 1,963 cases per 100,000, and Monaco has 1,962[1]. Monaco is known for having one of the longest life expectancies in the world, which means more people live long enough to develop age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s[1].
Other sources point to China, Germany, and Lebanon as having some of the highest rates when looking at the total number of cases and how quickly new cases are appearing[2]. China, in particular, has seen a sharp rise in Alzheimer’s and other dementias, with the number of cases growing from 17.37 million in 2019 to 19.12 million in 2021[2]. Experts predict this number could reach 24.09 million by 2050, partly because China’s population is aging rapidly[2].
## Why Do Rates Vary So Much Between Countries?
Several factors explain why some countries have higher Alzheimer’s rates than others:
**Aging Populations:** Countries where people live longer, like Japan and Monaco, naturally have more cases of Alzheimer’s because the risk goes up with age[1].
**Better Diagnosis:** In countries with advanced healthcare systems, more cases are detected and reported. This can make rates seem higher even if the actual number of people with the disease isn’t necessarily greater[1][2].
**Lifestyle and Environment:** Diet, exercise, pollution, and other environmental factors may play a role. For example, Italy’s shift toward more processed foods and exposure to pollution might be contributing to its high rates[1].
**Underreporting in Some Regions:** In countries with less developed healthcare, many cases of Alzheimer’s may go undiagnosed. This can make rates seem artificially low in places like Colombia, Paraguay, and Venezuela, where access to specialized care is limited[3].
**Gender Differences:** Women are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s, partly because they live longer than men on average[1].
## What About the United States and Canada?
The United States has a large number of people with Alzheimer’s—over six million as of 2025, and this number is expected to double in the coming decades[7]. However, when looking at rates per 100,000 people, the U.S. does not top the global list like Japan or Italy[1]. Still, the U.S. and Canada have some of the highest dementia mortality rates, meaning more people die from dementia in these countries than in many others[3]. This is likely due to a combination of an aging population, advanced healthcare that detects more cases, and possibly environmental factors like pollution[3].
## Are There Regions With Lower Rates?
Some countries in South America, such as Colombia, Paraguay, and Venezuela, report much lower rates of dementia mortality[3]. However, experts caution that these low numbers might not reflect the true situation. Limited healthcare access, underdiagnosis, and cultural attitudes toward aging and dementia could mean many cases are missed[3].
## What Do Experts Say About Global Trends?
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Medical Association (WMA) recognize dementia, including Alzheimer’s, as a major public health challenge[4]. They urge countries to develop national strategies, improve diagnosis, support caregivers, and increase funding for research[4]. The WHO’s global action plan for dementia highlights the need for all countries, especially low- and middle-income ones, to prepare for rising numbers of cases[4].
## Is There a Link Between Lifestyle and Alzheimer’s Rates?
Some articles suggest that lifestyle factors, such as diet and social engagement, might help explain why certain European countries have lower rates of Alzheimer’s despite having aging populations[7]. For example, Mediterranean countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece are known for diets rich in vegetables, olive oil, and fish, as well as strong social networks and active lifestyles[7]. These factors might help protect brain health, though more research is needed to confirm this.
## The Big Picture
Alzheimer’s disease rates are highest in countries with aging populations and advanced healthcare systems that can detect and report cases accurately[1][2]. Japan, Italy, Slovenia, and Monaco currently lead in prevalence per capita[1]. China has the largest total number of cases and is facing a rapid increase as its population ages[2]. The United States and Canada have high numbers of cases and high dementia mortality, but not the highest rates per capita[3][7].
Differences between countries are influenced by how long people live, how well diseases are diagnosed, lifestyle and environmental factors, and the quality of healthcare systems[1][2][3]. In some regions, low reported rates may reflect underdiagnosis rather than true low risk[3].
Global health organizations stress the need for all countries to take Alzheimer’s seriously, invest in research, support caregivers, and work to reduce risk factors[4]. As the world’s population continues to age, understanding these patterns and addressing the underlying causes will be crucial for public health.
[1] World Population Review, Alzheimer’s Rates by Country 2025
[2] Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, Global burden of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias (1990 …
[3] PMC, Sex disparities in dementia mortality across the American continent
[4] World Medical Association, WMA Statement on Dementia
[7] Gamintraveler, Why Europeans Don’t Get Alzheimer’s At The Rate Americans Do
