By 2040, the number of elderly Japanese suffering from dementia will increase by more than 1 million, compared to the current level, and will reach 5.84 million people. A research team from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan made such a prediction, reports NHK television.

Every sixth resident of Japan over the age of 65 will suffer from this disease. By 2060, the situation will worsen, and the number of people suffering from dementia will reach 6.45 million in the country. About 6 million people will suffer from various disorders of cognitive functions, including memory problems.

In recent years, the birth rate in Japan has been at a record low, and this is accompanied by the trend of the aging of its society. The ratio of Japan’s able-to-work population aged 15-64 is now about 60 percent. According to the data of October 2023, 124.35 million people live in Japan, which is 595 thousand less than a year ago.

The rapid aging of the nation "promises" many problems for Japan in the near future. For example, Japanese people who are currently working may be deprived of the old age pensions at the rate set for current Japanese retirees. In 2053, the population of Japan, according to forecasts, will decrease to 100 million, and in 2065—to 88 million, 38 percent of which will be people over 60.