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Dental Health and Dementia: More than Forgetfulness

Course Number: 566

Prevalence and Distribution of Patients with Dementia

Dementia rates are growing rapidly throughout the world, which reflects an aging global population.33 Neurologic conditions, including dementia, were estimated by the Global Burden of Disease 2010 Study as the third leading cause of years lived with disability at global level.34

The prevalence of dementia increases dramatically in the older elderly population. Approximately 2-3% of those aged 70–75 years are affected with dementia, whereas 20–25% of individuals aged 85 years or more have some form of the disease.34 Data tracking prevalence in individuals over the age of 85 is limited, and therefore, it is not currently clear if dementia prevalence keeps increasing or stabilizes in these individuals.36