Nearly one million people affected by dementia in Hungary – but many cases could be prevented

Dementia affects nearly one million people in Hungary, including patients, relatives and carers, while research suggests that up to 45% of dementia cases could potentially be prevented or delayed. Ahead of World Alzheimer’s Day on 21 September, experts have warned that families bear much of the burden of caring for people with the condition, with limited support from the state.

An estimated 200,000–300,000 people in Hungary are living with dementia, according to experts interviewed by Hungarian news agency MTI. The condition affects approximately 10% of people aged over 65, although comprehensive national data remain unavailable.

Including relatives and carers, the total number of people affected is estimated to approach one million, roughly one-tenth of Hungary’s population.

Zoltán Hidasi, an associate professor at Semmelweis University’s Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, explained that Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for an estimated 70–80% of cases.

Dementia is not a single disease but a group of symptoms involving a decline in cognitive abilities severe enough to interfere with everyday activities.

Could nearly half of dementia cases be prevented?

According to Ágnes Eszter Melcherné Kázár, a general practitioner and head of the Feledhetetlen Foundation, international research suggests that approximately 45% of dementia cases could potentially be prevented or significantly delayed.

The figure is consistent with the 2024 Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention and care, which identified 14 potentially modifiable risk factors throughout life.

These include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, depression, physical inactivity and social isolation.

The commission also highlighted two less widely recognised risk factors: high LDL cholesterol in middle age and untreated vision loss later in life. Experts emphasise that prevention should begin long before old age. Education, regular physical activity, a balanced diet, maintaining social connections and managing cardiovascular conditions can all contribute to reducing risk.

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When should memory problems become a concern?

Hidasi explained that occasional forgetfulness does not necessarily indicate Alzheimer’s disease.Memory performance naturally varies between individuals, while stress, anxiety and fatigue can also affect the ability to remember names or recall where everyday objects have been placed.

Dementia is progressive, although its rate of development varies considerably. Some people experience a gradual decline over many years, while others deteriorate more rapidly.

Early diagnosis is particularly important because some conditions that cause cognitive impairment, including certain vitamin deficiencies or hormonal disorders, may be treatable.

People experiencing concerning memory problems should first consult their GP, who can arrange further neurological or psychiatric assessment if necessary.

Although Alzheimer’s disease currently has no cure, newer treatments have emerged. The European Union authorised lecanemab in April 2025 and donanemab in September 2025 for certain patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. These medicines can slow cognitive decline in eligible patients but do not reverse the condition, and their use is subject to medical restrictions and safety monitoring.

Hungarian families carry much of the burden

Beyond the medical challenges, dementia places a substantial financial and emotional burden on families. Melcherné Kázár told MTI that dementia is frequently diagnosed relatively late in Hungary, often when patients have already reached a moderate or severe stage.

People with moderate dementia may still be capable of basic self-care but often require assistance with household tasks and financial matters. In more advanced cases, relatives may need to provide help with eating, washing and other essential daily activities.

The foundation’s head criticised the limited availability of state support, noting that family members sometimes sacrifice their employment to care for relatives.

She also highlighted the absence of a comprehensive national dementia strategy and dementia registry in Hungary.According to the expert, recognising cognitive impairment within the country’s disability support framework and making dementia a public health priority would be important steps towards improving care.

The warnings come ahead of World Alzheimer’s Day, observed internationally on 21 September to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, other forms of dementia and the challenges faced by patients and their families.

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