Nearly Half Think They Will Get Dementia

Americans overestimate their chances of developing dementia, according to an AARP survey. Nearly half (48 percent) of adults aged 40 or older say it is somewhat/very/extremely likely that they will get dementia as they get older. In fact, only 14 percent of people aged 71 or older have dementia. 

The widespread sense of impending doom may be due to the fact that most know someone now or in the past who has/had dementia. The 51 percent majority of adults aged 40 or older say they currently have or had in the past a close friend or relative with dementia. Not surprisingly, the percentage who have/had a close friend or relative with dementia rises with age...

Percent of adults aged 40-plus who have/had a close friend or relative with dementia

Aged 40 to 49: 42%

Aged 50 to 59: 50%

Aged 60 to 69: 55%

Aged 70-plus: 58%

Source: AARP, 2021 AARP Survey on the Perceptions Related to a Dementia Diagnosis: Adults Aged 40-Plus