Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that slowly deteriorates memory, thinking abilities, and essential skills. Over time, it leads to the buildup of harmful proteins in the brain, causing the brain to shrink and nerve cells to die. It is the leading cause of dementia, a condition that affects a person’s memory, thinking, behavior, and ability to navigate everyday life. This devastating disease robs individuals of their independence and deeply affects their relationships with loved ones.
Early signs often start with mild memory lapses, like forgetting recent conversations or events. But as the disease progresses, these memory issues worsen, and eventually, everyday tasks become overwhelming or impossible.
While there are treatments that may ease symptoms or slow their progression, there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s. In its advanced stages, the disease can lead to severe complications, such as dehydration, malnutrition, or infections, which can ultimately result in death.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into some startling statistics and figures that truly highlight the seriousness of Alzheimer’s and its profound impact on individuals and families.
Alzheimer’s Facts
- According to a Special Report on Mapping a Better Future for Dementia Care Navigation by the Alzheimer’s Association, in 2021, Alzheimer’s disease was the fifth-leading cause of death for people aged 65 and older. In fact, it may be responsible for even more deaths than what is officially reported. Beyond that, Alzheimer’s is also a major cause of disability and serious health issues among older adults. (1)
- The same study found that the lifetime risk of developing Alzheimer’s dementia starting at age 45 is about 1 in 5 (20%) for women and 1 in 10 (10%) for men. These risks increase slightly for both men and women by the time they reach 65. (1)
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Prevalence U.S
- Approximately 1 in 9 people (10.9%) aged 65 and older is living with Alzheimer’s dementia. (1)
- Nearly two-thirds of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease are women. Women tend to live longer than men, and since older age is the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s, this contributes to the higher number of women affected by the disease. (1)
- In 2024, it’s estimated that around 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia. Of these, 73% are aged 75 or older. (1)
- Moreover, approximately 26.4% of individuals with Alzheimer’s are between the ages of 65 and 74. (1)
- In the United States, approximately 38.6% of individuals with Alzheimer’s are aged 75 to 84 years. (1)
- It is projected that by 2030, there will be 8.5 million individuals aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease. (1)
- By 2060, the projected number of individuals aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s dementia is expected to reach 13.8 million, assuming no medical breakthroughs are made to prevent or cure the disease. (1)
Dementia Prevalence by Race and Ethnicity
- Among adults aged 65 and older, 19% of Black individuals and 14% of Hispanic individuals have Alzheimer’s dementia, compared to 10% of White individuals. (1)
- Most studies suggest that Black adults aged 65 and older are nearly twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias compared to White adults of the same age. (1)
- Hispanic adults aged 65 and older are approximately 1.5 times more likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias compared to White adults. (1)
Mortality and Illness Rates
- Among individuals aged 70, 61% of those with Alzheimer’s dementia are expected to pass away before reaching 80, compared to 30% of those without the condition. (1)
- From 2000 to 2021, the number of deaths attributed to Alzheimer’s disease on death certificates more than doubled, rising by 141%, while deaths from heart disease, the leading cause of death, declined by 2.1%. As the population grows older, Alzheimer’s has become a more common cause of death. Additionally, over time, doctors, coroners, and others responsible for recording causes of death are more likely to include Alzheimer’s on death certificates. (1)
- The annual death rate from Alzheimer’s — measured as the number of deaths per 100,000 people — has increased significantly since 2000. (1)
- Research shows that individuals aged 65 and older typically live an average of four to eight years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia. However, some people may live as long as 20 years following their diagnosis. (1)
- In 2021, Alzheimer’s caused three deaths per 100,000 people in the 55 to 64 age group. (1)
- By 2021, the Alzheimer’s death rate for the 85+ age group increased to 1,243.6 per 100,000. Between 2000 and 2021, the death rate from Alzheimer’s for people aged 85 and older increased by 86%. (1)
Diagnosis
Diagnosing Alzheimer’s involves a comprehensive evaluation to assess memory, cognitive abilities, and overall brain health, helping doctors identify the disease early and provide the best care plan. Here’s a look at some of its important facts and figures.
1. U.S. Adults’ 2021 Dementia Checkup Views
- While 46% of adults aged 40 and older are in favor of having a yearly exam for dementia, the majority are either opposed to it (27%) or uncertain (27%) about being examined. (2)
2. U.S. Adults Hide Dementia Diagnosis
- In the United States in 2021, 10% of adults over 40 said they would prefer their families not be informed if they were diagnosed with dementia. People with dementia often hide their condition because they are afraid of being treated differently. They worry that others won’t see them the same way and that instead of talking to them, people will start talking about them. (2)
- Meanwhile, 77 percent indicated they would want their loved ones to be informed of their condition. (2)
Care Assistance or Support
- Over 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for a family member or friend with dementia. Approximately 30% of caregivers are 65 years or older. (1)
- Twenty-three percent of caregivers aged 18 to 49 assist someone with dementia, marking a 7% increase from 2015 to 2021. In the United States, 83% of the care provided to older adults comes from family members, friends, or other unpaid caregivers. (1)
- Around 10% of caregivers support a spouse with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Caregivers often express that love and a sense of responsibility are the main reasons they take on the role of caring for a relative or friend living with dementia. (1)
- Around two-thirds of those caring for people with dementia are women. More than one-third of dementia caregivers in the United States are daughters caring for their parents. (1)
- The majority of caregivers (66%) live with the person with dementia in the community. (1)
- About one-quarter of dementia caregivers are “sandwich generation” caregivers, meaning they care for both an aging parent and at least one child. (1)
Employees or Working Population
- Most primary care physicians (55%) reported that there aren’t enough specialists, such as geriatricians, in their area to meet the growing demand for dementia care. (1)
- Between 2021 and 2031, more than 1 million additional direct care workers will be needed—more than in any other single occupation in the United States. (1)
- Turnover rates are notably high in the direct care workforce, with an estimated annual median rate of 77% for home care workers and 99% for nursing assistants in nursing homes. Recruitment and retention have been ongoing challenges in this field. (1)
- The U.S. will need to nearly triple the number of geriatricians practicing in 2021 to adequately care for the approximately 10% of people age 65 and older expected to have Alzheimer’s dementia by 2050. (1)
Total Funding for Alzheimer’s Disease
- In the fiscal year 2024, Alzheimer’s disease funding by the NIH amounted to approximately 3627 million dollars. (3)
Health Care Expenses or Medical Costs
- In 2024, the costs of health care and long-term care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias are expected to reach $360 billion. (1)
- Out-of-pocket spending is projected to reach $91 billion, accounting for 25% of total payments. (1)
- Seventy percent of these costs are shouldered by family caregivers through unpaid care and out-of-pocket expenses. (1)
- In 2024, the care costs for Alzheimer’s disease were estimated to cost Medicare and Medicaid approximately $231 billion. (1)
- By 2050, combined Medicare and Medicaid spending on individuals with Alzheimer’s is projected to surge to $637 billion. (1)
- Beneficiaries with Alzheimer’s or dementia averaged $21,973, compared to $7,918 for those without dementia. (1)
- Dementia beneficiaries incurred $43,644, whereas non-dementia beneficiaries incurred $14,660. (1)
- In 2023, the average hospice service payment per Medicare beneficiary without Alzheimer’s in the United States was 136 U.S. dollars. (1)
- In contrast, the average hospice service payment per Medicare beneficiary with Alzheimer’s was 2,321 U.S. dollars. (1)
Alzheimer’s Deaths by State, 2021
- In 2021, California had around 16,911 Alzheimer’s disease deaths, the highest of any U.S. state. (1)
Final Thought
Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, continues to be a growing concern as the world develops dementia cases each year. In the United States alone, over 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia, making it the seventh leading cause of death and a significant health challenge in 2020-21.
For Medicare beneficiaries, this condition contributes to severe cognitive decline, often starting as mild cognitive impairment and progressing to more debilitating symptoms. As the sixth leading cause of death in 2019, Alzheimer’s deeply impacts both individuals and the health care system, with increasing demands on health care workers, unpaid caregivers, and care navigators who support millions of families across the country.
The economic impact of Alzheimer’s is staggering. Unpaid caregivers provided care valued at nearly $350 billion, yet the strain on families and the health care system remains immense. Hospice care for those in the advanced stages, along with the critical role of care recipients and health care professionals, highlights the urgent need for improved dementia care and research.
Addressing the risk factors and providing resources for both professional and unpaid caregivers is essential to help mitigate the burden. Understanding Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures helps paint a clearer picture of the challenges faced by millions of people living with this devastating condition. As dementia cases rise, so does the need for a more comprehensive response from health systems to better support those affected.
Sources:
