In a study issued Tuesday, European researchers estimate that 35.6 million people have dementia worldwide. The figure is expected to reach nearly 66 million in 2030 and 115 million in 2050.

In the report released on World Alzheimer's Day, scientists called the spread of dementia an epidemic that is increasing its pace with the greying of the population around the world. As people live longer, particularly in developed countries, they become more susceptible to dementia.

After age 65, the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, doubles every five years. At age 85, people have about a 50 per cent chance of developing Alzheimer's.

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