Journal article
Dementia incidence across countries: a sex-specific ecological analysis of cancer incidence
Future Science OA, Vol.12(1), pp.1-17
2026
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
Background
Dementia incidence is rising globally with population aging and improved survival from chronic diseases. Cancer incidence may reflect longevity, diagnostic capacity, socioeconomic development, and demographic transition, but sex-specific population-level evidence on its association with dementia incidence remains limited.
Methods
Country-level associations between cancer incidence in 2019 and dementia incidence in 2023 were examined separately for females and males across 204 countries. Analyses included bivariate correlations, principal component analysis, partial correlations, and forced-entry regression models adjusted for gross domestic product per capita adjusted for purchasing power parity, urbanization, reduced selection opportunity, and sex-specific life expectancy at age 60.
Results
Cancer incidence was positively associated with dementia incidence in both sexes. Globally, cancer incidence correlated strongly with dementia incidence among females (r = 0.765, p < 0.001) and males (r = 0.781, p < 0.001). In adjusted models, cancer incidence remained associated with dementia incidence in females (β = 0.496, p < 0.001; adjusted R2 = 0.693) and males (β = 0.526, p < 0.001; adjusted R2 = 0.709). Incremental explained variance was larger among males.
Conclusions
Cancer incidence is a sex-specific country-level correlate of dementia incidence. Findings indicate population-level co-variation, not individual-level risk or causality in aging populations worldwide.
Details
- Title
- Dementia incidence across countries: a sex-specific ecological analysis of cancer incidence
- Creators
- Wenpeng You - University of AdelaideHui-Chen (Rita) Chang - Western Sydney UniversityBrendon Coventry - University of AdelaideAshlyn Sahay - Southern Cross UniversityMaciej Henneberg - University of Adelaide
- Publication Details
- Future Science OA, Vol.12(1), pp.1-17
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Identifiers
- 991013397871002368
- Copyright
- © 2026 the Author(s).
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article