[Perspective in the incidence of Alzheimer's disease in Austria by the year 2050].

Population projections of the Austrian Central Statistical Office show a dramatic increase in the proportion of people of 65 years of age and over in Austria by the year 2050. Since this population group is at higher risk to develop Alzheimer's disease (AD/SDAT), it will be necessary to modify the currently available facilities for social and medical care to meet this increasing demand. Based on official demographic data and epidemiological findings of the "Eurodem" group, our computations show that the number of persons with AD/SDAT aged 65 or over will rise from 48,000 at present to over 113,500 in 2050 (1990: 614/100,000, 2050: 1505/100,000 persons of the total population), equivalent to an increase of 140%. By forecasting the number of persons affected, it should be possible to intensify (and in some areas introduce) long-term health planning with respect to the social, financial and medical care of aged, demented people in Austria.