Study Highlights Life Expectancy After Dementia Diagnosis
A recent study has provided insights into how long individuals diagnosed with dementia can expect to live. Findings suggest that survival rates vary widely, averaging between two and nine years, depending on factors such as age and the type of dementia.
The research also sheds light on the duration individuals typically remain in their own homes before transitioning to a nursing facility.
The study analysed data from 1984 to 2024, reviewing survival and nursing home admission rates for people with dementia. It incorporated findings from 235 studies involving over 5.5 million individuals for survival rates and 79 studies covering nursing home admissions for 352,990 individuals.
Key Findings
- Impact of Age on Survival:
Life expectancy was found to be heavily influenced by age at diagnosis. Men diagnosed at 65 years old had an average survival of 5.7 years, while those diagnosed at 85 lived an average of 2.2 years. Women diagnosed at 65 could expect to live 8.9 years, compared to 4.5 years for those diagnosed at 85.
Despite longer survival times at younger ages, women were found to have shorter overall post-diagnosis survival compared to men, as they are typically diagnosed later in life. - Type of Dementia Matters:
People with Alzheimer’s disease were found to live, on average, 1.4 years longer than those diagnosed with other forms of dementia. - Geographic Differences:
The study revealed regional disparities, with people in Asia living an average of 1.4 years longer after diagnosis compared to those in Europe or the United States. - Transition to Nursing Homes:
The average time before moving to a nursing home after diagnosis was 3.3 years. Around 13% transitioned within the first year of diagnosis, increasing to 57% within five years.
“Roughly one-third of the remaining life expectancy was spent in nursing care, with over half of individuals moving to a nursing facility within five years of their diagnosis,” the researchers noted.
Importance of Early Diagnosis
Dr. Alex Osborne, policy manager at the Alzheimer’s Society, emphasized the critical role of early diagnosis.
“While these findings about life expectancy may be distressing, they underscore the importance of timely dementia diagnosis,” Osborne said. “A diagnosis provides access to essential care, treatment, and support, helping individuals live well for longer.”
Dr Osborne also highlighted the urgent need to improve diagnosis rates, pointing out that one-third of people living with dementia in England remain undiagnosed. The Alzheimer’s Society is advocating for ambitious diagnosis targets, better diagnostic tools, and addressing regional disparities in access to care.
The findings, published in The BMJ, offer valuable insights for individuals, families, and healthcare providers, emphasizing the importance of understanding and planning for the progression of dementia.
