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The Institute of Neuroimmunology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic, has carried out the first nationwide population-based epidemiological study of dementia in Slovakia. Analysis of data from the National Health Information Centre (NCZI) shows that more than 84,000 people were living with dementia in Slovakia in 2023, with the condition occurring approximately twice as often in women as in men. Due to the country’s ageing population, the number of patients is projected to increase by approximately 84% by 2040.

Between 2016 and 2023, the annual number of newly diagnosed dementia cases ranged from 11,798 to 14,383, with a long-term average of approximately 13,684 new cases per year. The highest numbers were recorded in the Prešov Region among people aged 85 and over, followed by the Košice Region. At the same time, the Žilina Region consistently reported the lowest numbers across all age groups.

The total number of people living with dementia increased steadily throughout the monitored period, rising from 78,906 cases in 2016 to 84,774 in 2023. The overall gender ratio remained stable at approximately two women for every man diagnosed with dementia. The highest absolute numbers of patients were recorded in the Košice and Prešov regions, while the Trnava Region reported the lowest figures.

“Slovakia is one of the fastest-ageing countries in the European Union, and the rising prevalence of dementia represents not only a serious medical challenge but also a major social threat. By 2040, we expect the annual incidence of dementia to increase by more than 65%, reaching nearly 24,000 new cases per year, while the total number of patients could grow by approximately 84% to almost 156,000. This demographic pressure will occur regardless of advances in treatment or prevention and will require a systematic expansion of outpatient, long-term and informal care capacities. This is precisely why we initiated the development of the National Dementia Programme at the Ministry of Health, which will provide comprehensive solutions,” said Norbert Žilka, Director of the Institute of Neuroimmunology of the SAS.

“I am pleased to see the research carried out by the Institute of Neuroimmunology directly informing public policy. Slovakia’s first epidemiological study of dementia demonstrates that cooperation between science and the Ministry of Health can deliver results with a real impact on people’s lives. This is particularly important given the

seriousness of the issue and its potential to place significant pressure on the healthcare system,” added Martin Venhart, President of the SAS.

About the Study

The analysis was based on anonymised administrative healthcare data from the National Health Information Centre (NCZI), covering the period 2014 to 2025, with 2023 serving as the reference year.

The dataset included information on outpatient and inpatient healthcare, prescribed and dispensed medications, and mortality records. Data were provided by all three Slovak health insurance companies, ensuring virtually complete population coverage.

Cases were identified using a combination of ICD-10 diagnostic codes and pharmacotherapy records classified according to the ATC system. Because the study is based on administrative healthcare data, the reported incidence and prevalence reflect treated patients, meaning the true prevalence of dementia in the Slovak population may be even higher.

Health economist Matej Mišík noted that:

“The study has the potential to directly influence health and social policy by providing evidence that can support strategic decisions on dementia prevention and modern treatment.”

Key Findings

• Dementia is one of the most serious neurological diseases in Slovakia and represents a growing public health and social challenge.
• In 2023, 84,774 treated patients with dementia were identified, including 27,320 men and 57,454 women.
• Dementia affects women approximately twice as often as men, largely due to their longer life expectancy.
• Although the age-standardised risk of dementia has slightly declined over the study period, the absolute number of patients continues to rise because of population ageing.
• If current demographic trends continue, the number of people living with dementia in Slovakia could increase by approximately 84%, reaching nearly 156,000 patients by 2040.

Prepared by: Jozef Bednár

Photo: Martin Bystriansky