Malta Recorded High Dementia Death Rates in 2023
Data for residents aged 65 and over showed a dementia mortality rate in Malta second only to the Netherlands.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
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In 2023, Malta recorded 389 dementia deaths per 100,000 inhabitants aged 65 and over, placing the country among the highest in the European Union. Across the EU, dementia accounted for the vast majority of deaths linked to mental and behavioural disorders.
Why it matters
Understanding geographic variations in mortality can help health officials identify differences in diagnostic reporting, care access, and support systems for aging populations. Because dementia represented 84% of all mental and behavioural disorder deaths in the EU, tracking these figures remains critical for public health planning.
Official 2023 EU mortality data shows that Malta recorded 389 dementia deaths per 100,000 people aged 65 and over, compared to an EU standardized average of 174. Whether these variations result from differences in clinical coding practices or actual health outcomes remains under investigation.
The players
European Union
An international organization that tracks member states' public health statistics, including standardized mortality rates for chronic diseases.
The details
Dementia-related mortality is tracked as a subset of mental and behavioural disorders, which accounted for approximately 210,000 total deaths in the EU in 2023. Within this category, dementia represents 84% of all reported deaths. While nations like the Netherlands and Malta reported rates exceeding 380 per 100,000, other member states reported fewer than five deaths per 100,000 in the same age group, highlighting a major discrepancy in how these cases are captured.
Timeline
2023: Death rates for dementia and mental disorders were measured across the European Union.
Health Landscape
These findings update the 2023 European Union mortality data on mental and behavioural disorders to illustrate the dominance of dementia in cause-of-death reporting. The wide variation between member states emphasizes ongoing challenges in the consistency of international health tracking.
High mortality rates in a specific region often reflect differences in diagnosis and support, so residents should focus on maintaining open communication with their primary care physician regarding cognitive changes. If you are concerned about memory loss or diagnostic reporting in your area, discussing these trends with a doctor is a helpful step.
The takeaway
Dementia remains the primary driver of mortality within the mental and behavioural disorder category for the elderly. Patients and families should prioritize early screenings for cognitive health and stay informed about the specific care resources available within their local health system.
Further reading
For more on the current understanding of memory care and cognitive health, visit the Alzheimer’s section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Italpress.
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