South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare projects that 10.3% of people aged 65 and older will have dementia in 2040, equivalent to 1.77 million people out of an estimated 17.15 million seniors. The estimate appears in the 2025 Health and Welfare White Paper and is based on future population projections and a nationwide dementia epidemiological survey. The number of elderly dementia patients rose from 750,000 in 2020 to 960,000 last year, when the prevalence rate was 9.1%. The ministry projects 1.2 million patients in 2030 and 2.23 million in 2050, with prevalence reaching 11.8%. Medical expenses for dementia patients aged 40 and older rose to 3.3372 trillion Korean won in 2023, from 779.7 billion won in 2010. This year’s costs are estimated at 3.4161 trillion to 3.8037 trillion won, while the 2030 figure could reach 4.4482 trillion won. Elderly women account for the largest share of treatment costs, particularly those aged 80 and older.