Alzheimer's cases surge in Kazakhstan as global dementia crisis deepens

Alzheimer's disease is on the rise in Kazakhstan, mirroring a global trend. The condition, which accounts for 60-70% of all dementia cases, has seen registered diagnoses jump from 496 in 2021 to 3,706 in 2025. This sharp increase reflects both an ageing population and better detection methods. Alzheimer's is a progressive brain disorder with no known cure. Early symptoms often include memory loss, confusion over time or place, and struggles with daily tasks like managing money. Some may repeatedly ask the same questions, misplace belongings, or experience sudden mood shifts.

Worldwide, dementia affects over 55 million people. In 2021 alone, 57 million were living with the condition, with nearly 10 million new cases reported each year. Projections suggest these numbers could climb to 78 million by 2030 and 139 million by 2050. Kazakhstan's broader dementia figures have also grown. Registered cases rose from 8,921 in 2021 to 11,087 in 2025. However, the health ministry does not provide city-specific data or detailed Alzheimer's statistics for major urban areas like Astana, Almaty, or Shymkent over the past five years.

The steady climb in Alzheimer's cases highlights the need for better healthcare planning and support systems. With no official breakdown of cases by region, tracking the disease's spread remains a challenge. Globally, the condition continues to rank as the seventh leading cause of death, demanding urgent attention.