Dementia is a growing issue in Italy, involving at least 1.5 million people, with women being the most affected group. This number is expected to While life expectancy has reached record high-—81.4 double and exceed 3 million by 2050. Alzheimer's years for men and 85.5 for women in 2024—the years lived disease, the most common form of dementia, is in good health are shrinking. Women born today can rising rapidly, with yearly costs per patient reaching expect only 56.6 healthy years, dropping to 54 in the south; up to 72,000. The condition currently costs 23 for men, it's 59.8 years nationally and 57.1 in the south. billion annually, with most expenses falling on Access to healthcare is increasingly unequal: 9.9% of By 2050, the overall financial burden could 6.3% in 2019) due to long waiting lists (6.8%) and costs surpass E60 billion. Regional disparities are (5.3%). Private healthcare use is rising (23.9% paid OOP for their last specialist visit), but many cannot afford it. Women, dissatisfaction with available services, often having middle-aged adults, and southerners are most affected; psychological distress is rising among youth and the elderly. Despite some progress, early diagnosis and support remain inadequate. Caregivers experience Three million people, representing 5% of the population, live with disabilities. Of these, 80% suffer high levels of stress and isolation, highlighting the from at least one chronic disease, and only 9.8% report being in good health. Despite low avoidable urgent need for better policies, improved care mortality (17.7 per 10,000), the healthcare system is strained, and inequalities are growing. networks, and increased investment in dementia and