Population projections of the Austrian Central Statistical Office show a dramatic increase of the proportion of people of 65 years of age and over in Austria until the year 2050.

Since this population group is at higher risk to develop dementia, it will be necessary to suitably modify the presently available facilities for social and medical care to meet this increasing demand.

Based on official demographic data and epidemiological findings of the Eurodem -group (12) our computations show that the number of demented persons, aged 65 or over, will rise from presently 80 000 to over 189 000 in 2050 (1990: 1023/100 000, 2050: 2509/100 000 persons of the total population), equivalent to an increase by 140%.