Study Reveals the Duration of Life After Dementia Diagnosis

SadaNews - A recent scientific study has identified the average duration that people live after being diagnosed with dementia, which may enable doctors to better manage elderly patients suffering from brain-related illnesses.

According to a report published by the British newspaper "Independent" and reviewed by "Al Arabiya.net", various factors contribute to the average life expectancy following a dementia diagnosis, with age playing a significant role.

The study indicates that survival rates typically range from two to nine years on average after a diagnosis of the disease.

The study also explored the duration individuals are expected to live at home before moving to a nursing home.

Researchers reviewed all studies conducted between 1984 and 2024 that examined survival rates or nursing home admission rates for individuals diagnosed with dementia.

A total of 235 studies reported survival rates for over 5.5 million individuals, while 79 studies reported nursing home admission rates for 352,990 individuals.

Experts led by academics from Erasmus MC University Medical Center in the Netherlands found that the average survival rates post-diagnosis "depend significantly on age".

Men diagnosed at age 65 are expected to live for 5.7 years, whereas those diagnosed at age 85 are expected to live for 2.2 years.

Women diagnosed at age 65 are expected to live for 8.9 years, while those diagnosed at age 85 are expected to live for 4.5 years.

However, researchers found that women generally have a shorter survival rate post-diagnosis compared to men, as the disease is typically diagnosed later in women.

It appears that patients with Alzheimer’s live 1.4 years longer compared to those with other types of dementia.

The researchers also found differences between continents, with individuals in Asia expected to live 1.4 years longer after diagnosis compared to those in Europe or the United States.

The average time taken for a patient to move to a nursing home post-diagnosis is 3.3 years, with about 13% of individuals moving to a nursing home within the year following their diagnosis. This percentage increases to 57% after five years.

The researchers wrote in the British Medical Journal (BMJ): "About a third of the remaining life expectancy is spent in nursing homes, with more than half of individuals moving to nursing homes within five years of a dementia diagnosis."

Dr. Alex Osborn, Director of Policy at the Alzheimer’s Society stated: "While this research on average life expectancy with dementia may be unsettling to read, it also reminds us of the vital importance of dementia diagnosis."

He added: "These findings allow us to gain substantial benefits from diagnosis, providing access to necessary care, support, and treatment, and helping people live healthier lives for longer."

Osborn continued: "But currently, a third of those with dementia in England, for example, have no diagnosis at all. This situation needs to change."