Armenia's aging population raises urgency of Alzheimer’s prevention and early detection

Armenia’s rapidly aging population is increasing the urgency of strengthening prevention, early diagnosis and care for Alzheimer’s disease, according to an analysis by the Heratsi Research Center released during global Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.

The report notes that people aged 65 and older accounted for 14.1% of Armenia’s population in 2024, while life expectancy reached 74.1 years, demographic trends that are expected to increase the burden of age-related cognitive disorders.

Although Armenia does not have nationwide official statistics on Alzheimer’s disease, a 2022 screening conducted under the Brain Health Armenia Project involving more than 1,000 people aged 40 and above found that 35.7% showed varying degrees of cognitive impairment, underscoring the need for expanded screening and early intervention.

The report coincides with the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2026 global awareness campaign, themed “Take Charge of Your Brain Health,” which promotes brain health across all age groups, healthier lifestyles, earlier detection of cognitive decline and greater public awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that accounts for an estimated 50% to 80% of dementia cases worldwide. Brain changes linked to the disease can begin up to two decades before symptoms emerge, gradually leading to memory loss, cognitive decline and loss of independence.

According to the World Health Organization, about 57.6 million people were living with dementia globally in 2021, with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed each year. The number is projected to reach around 153 million by 2050.

The report highlights that advancing age, female sex, genetic predisposition and Down syndrome are among the principal non-modifiable risk factors. It also cites evidence that up to 40% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing modifiable risks, including physical inactivity, smoking, depression, social isolation, hearing and vision impairment, traumatic brain injury, high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and air pollution.

It emphasizes that advances in blood biomarkers, neuroimaging and cognitive testing are making earlier diagnosis increasingly feasible, while healthy lifestyles, regular physical and mental activity, social engagement, quality sleep and cardiovascular risk management may help preserve cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia.

With population aging accelerating, the report concludes that dementia prevention, early detection and long-term care should become key public health priorities for Armenia.