Alzheimer’s Disease: What the Numbers Reveal

Alzheimer’s Disease: What to Know

Did you know that brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease can begin to occur 10. 15 or even 20 years before symptoms like memory loss become noticeable?

“Most people know that Alzheimer’s is a cruel disease, but there’s a lot about the disease that people don’t understand,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, so we’re joining other organizations to educate people about Alzheimer’s and share information about available resources and support.”

Statistical Overview: Alzheimer’s Disease in America

According to the Alzheimer’s Association:

• More than 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s. By 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million.
• About 1 in 9 people age 65 and older (10.9%) has Alzheimer’s.
• The lifetime risk for Alzheimer’s at age 45 is 1 in 5 for women and 1 in 10 for men.
• Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease are women. 
• Alzheimer’s disease is the fifth leading cause of death among people age 65 and older.
• Alzheimer’s kills more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.
•    1 in 3 older adults dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
• Between 2000 and 2021, deaths from heart disease have decreased 2.1%. During that same time period, deaths from Alzheimer’s disease have increased 142%.
• In 2025, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the U.S. $384 billion. By 2050, these costs could rise to nearly $1 trillion.
• Nearly 12 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia.
• These caregivers provided more than 19 billion hours of care valued at nearly $413 billion.
• 70% of dementia caregivers feel stressed when coordinating care and more than half of caregivers said navigating health care is difficult.

The Impact of Alzheimer’s on Families and Caregivers

“Alzheimer’s puts a lot of stress on families,” Goetz said. “Many of us at HCAN have personal experience with Alzheimer’s, so we understand many of the challenges that come with the disease, and we’re committed to helping families cope with them. When more care is required, our professional caregivers can help. They’re trained to care for people who have Alzheimer’s – giving families much needed respite from day-to-day caregiving responsibilities.”

Support Systems: Resources for Alzheimer’s Caregivers

For more information about in-home Alzheimer’s care services, visit hcanthrive.com or call your local HCAN-supported office. 

To find additional resources and support in your area, visit alz.org.