New research says dementia cases could double by 2050

(CNN, KYMA) - A new study suggests the number of people who develop dementia yearly across the world is expected to more than double by 2050.

Researchers studied data from 22 studies involving more than 38,000 people from 18 countries.

After following the participants over a period of time, the researchers estimate there will be nearly 25 million new annual cases of dementia by 2050.

For comparison, more than 11 million people developed dementia in 2023.

The researchers said they found women and those living in low and middle-income countries were at higher risk of developing dementia.

The study authors say the research did not show why those disparities existed.

However, they highlight the challenge for countries with lesser health care resources to deal with the condition.

The study was published Monday in the journal "Jama Neurology."