Alzheimer's disease no longer classified as universally incurable

The World Alzheimer Report 2026 indicates that Alzheimer's disease can no longer be classified as universally incurable. According to the report, prepared by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) and health journalist Paul Gallagher, dementia research has entered a phase of significant scientific advancement.

Recent developments over the last five years show that new medications can slow cognitive decline in the early stages of the disease. Furthermore, evidence suggests that certain cases may be delayed or prevented by addressing specific risk factors. The report compares the current state of dementia research to the evolution of oncology in the 1990s, noting a shift toward precision medicine and effective drug combinations.

With the global population aging, it is estimated that 139 million people will be living with dementia by 2050. Research suggests that up to 45 percent of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by managing 14 modifiable risk factors, including hypertension, depression, physical inactivity, smoking, diabetes, and excessive alcohol consumption.