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Alzheimer's Disease Research and Treatments / Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research · Review
Journal of Alzheimer S Disease · September 7, 2026
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This narrative systematic review of 55 studies characterizes dementia epidemiology and risk factors in Saudi Arabia but documents substantial methodological heterogeneity that prevents precise prevalence estimation or causal inference. Prevalence among adults aged ≥60 years ranges from 3.8% to 6.3%, diabetes and hypertension are consistently associated, and research activity has increased since 2020; however, standardized diagnostic and surveillance approaches are needed to clarify the national burden.
Systematic review with narrative synthesis. Studies reporting dementia-related outcomes in Saudi Arabian populations, across community and clinical settings. n = 55. Saudi Arabia.
Prevalence of dementia among adults aged 60 years and older ranged from 3.8% to 6.3% Alzheimer's disease was the most common dementia subtype Diabetes and hypertension were the most consistently identified risk factors
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Clinicians should recognize that dementia prevalence in Saudi Arabia remains poorly characterized due to methodological inconsistencies; diabetes and hypertension are key modifiable risk factors. Public awareness is low and caregiver burden is substantial, suggesting need for targeted education and support strategies, though national epidemiological precision is not yet established.
A narrative systematic review synthesizing fragmented evidence across heterogeneous studies with inconsistent methodologies, diagnostic criteria, and sampling approaches; identifies research trends and gaps rather than establishing definitive epidemiological or causal estimates.
As stated by the source record.
Quoted from the source exactly as published.
Clinicians should recognize that dementia prevalence in Saudi Arabia remains poorly characterized due to methodological inconsistencies; diabetes and hypertension are key modifiable risk factors. Public awareness is low and caregiver burden is substantial, suggesting need for targeted education and support strategies, though national epidemiological precision is not yet established.
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BackgroundDementia is an emerging public health priority in Saudi Arabia, driven by population aging and a high prevalence of vascular and metabolic disease. Despite increasing research activity, evidence remains fragmented, limiting understanding of the national burden and determinants of dementia.ObjectiveTo synthesize evidence on dementia epidemiology, risk factors, awareness, comorbidities, caregiving challenges, and research trends in Saudi Arabia.MethodsA systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched for studies reporting dementia-related outcomes in Saudi populations. Given heterogeneity in study designs, sampling methods, and diagnostic criteria, findings were narratively synthesized.ResultsFifty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. Alzheimer's disease was the most common dementia subtype. Prevalence estimates among adults aged 60 years and older ranged from 3.8% to 6.3%, reflecting differences in diagnostic approaches and sampling methods. Diabetes and hypertension were the most consistently identified risk factors, while depression and anxiety were also associated with dementia. Public awareness was low, with stigma contributing to delayed recognition and underdiagnosis. Caregiving was family-based and associated with significant burden. Dementia commonly co-occurs with cardiometabolic, neuropsychiatric, and other chronic conditions. Research activity increased after 2020, with over half of the included studies published between 2020 and 2024; however, methodological inconsistencies and limited rural representation remain.ConclusionsDementia research in Saudi Arabia has expanded, yet epidemiological estimates remain inconsistent. Standardized diagnostic practices, enhanced surveillance, and public health strategies addressing risk reduction, awareness, and caregiver support are needed to address the dementia burden.
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