In April 2025, the non-profit organisation Alzheimer Bulgaria together with research agency Market LINKS conducted the first-ever nationally representative survey in Bulgaria focused on dementia. The study included 1,000 adults and aimed to assess awareness, diagnosis, and care patterns related to dementia across the country. The findings reveal that only 0.2% of respondents reported having dementia themselves, while 14.4% said they have a close relative showing symptoms or diagnosed with the condition. Among affected individuals, 89% are aged 60 or over, with an average age of 75. In over half of all cases (55%), care is provided at home by family members without formal support. Just 7% of individuals with dementia are in specialised facilities.
Alarmingly, 39% of those affected receive no treatment, and 32% have never received a formal diagnosis despite evident symptoms. This highlights critical gaps in the early detection and medical management of dementia in Bulgaria. Alzheimer Bulgaria emphasises that there is currently no structured national policy or support system for people with dementia or their caregivers. The organisation is calling on policymakers to develop a comprehensive national dementia strategy that includes early diagnosis, accessible treatment, caregiver training, and appropriate residential and community-based support services. Such measures are essential to improving quality of life and dignity for people living with dementia and their families in Bulgaria. The survey marks a vital step toward recognising dementia as a public health priority in the country.
