Survival prospects for individuals diagnosed with dementia have improved significantly in recent years, according to a major international study led by a researcher from the University of Waterloo. Drawing on data from more than 1.2 million individuals aged 60 and older, the study offers compelling evidence of enhanced outcomes following a dementia diagnosis. It reveals that in five out of eight global regions surveyed, people diagnosed with dementia now face a lower risk of death than they did in the early 2000s. This encouraging trend suggests that recent advances in both dementia care and diagnostic practices are having a measurable impact on the longevity of individuals with dementia.
The research, conducted between 2000 and 2018, included data from Ontario, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Finland, Germany and New Zealand. In most of these regions—particularly Ontario—researchers observed a noticeable decline in mortality rates among those with dementia. These findings reflect not only improvements in medical treatment and support systems but also a broader shift in how dementia is identified and managed within healthcare systems. With earlier diagnoses, increased public awareness, and more holistic approaches to care, individuals are now better equipped to live longer and more fulfilling lives following a diagnosis.
“Dementia is a global public health priority,” said Dr Hao Luo, assistant professor in the School of Public Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo and lead author of the study. “By examining survival trends over time and across diverse healthcare systems, we gain critical insights into the real-world impact of dementia on individuals and on public health services.” Luo emphasised that survival data plays a vital role in informing clinical decision-making, guiding families in planning care, and helping policymakers assess the scope of the disease’s burden on health and social care systems.
The study attributes the increase in survival probability to several key developments, including progress in preventive strategies, more effective pharmaceutical treatments, and tailored psychosocial interventions. Advances in person-centred care have enabled healthcare professionals to address better the complex and evolving needs of people living with dementia. As a result, not only are patients living longer, but they are also receiving care that supports their mental, emotional and physical well-being. These improvements underscore the importance of continued investment in dementia research, training, and service delivery.
One notable exception in the study’s findings was New Zealand, where an increase in mortality risk was observed between 2014 and 2018. According to Luo, this trend may be explained by a national policy shift that moved the management of uncomplicated dementia cases from specialists to primary care providers. While intended to improve system efficiency, this change may have led to delayed hospitalisation or more advanced disease presentation by the time of diagnosis, resulting in poorer outcomes. Data from Finland and Germany, meanwhile, were inconclusive, possibly due to differences in data quality, healthcare access, or population demographics.
Across the five regions where mortality risk declined—including Canada, the UK, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong—84% of the study’s participants were represented. These regions either have national dementia strategies in place or are in the process of implementing them. Luo suggests that such strategic planning may contribute to improved survival outcomes, as comprehensive dementia policies typically support early detection, continuity of care, caregiver support, and access to community-based resources.
Looking ahead, Dr Luo intends to explore the role of comorbidities in shaping survival outcomes among those with dementia. She acknowledged that the current study did not account for other chronic conditions due to the need for consistency in data processing across international datasets. However, she noted that conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression are common among individuals with dementia and may significantly affect prognosis. Future research will aim to untangle these complex interactions, ultimately leading to more accurate survival estimates and more responsive care models for people living with dementia around the world.
More information: Hao Luo et al, A multinational cohort study of trends in survival following dementia diagnosis, Communications Medicine. DOI: 10.1038/s43856-025-00923-6
Journal information: Communications Medicine Provided by University of Waterloo
