America has a memory crisis.
What you probably already know: Alzheimer’s disease is on the rise, with an estimated 7.2 million Americans older than 65 living with Alzheimer’s disease dementia. Women account for about two-thirds of cases, partially because they live longer but also possibly because women are about twice as likely to have an autoimmune disease and have stronger immune systems compared to men. The Alzheimer’s Association says the projected number of cases is projected to rise to nearly 13 million by 2050 without breakthroughs in prevention or a cure. Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease and the most common cause of dementia, which is not a specific disease but a term that describes a group of symptoms. Worldwide, 55 million people live with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Why it matters: In 2022 about 120,000 people died, making it one of the top 10 leading causes of death in the U.S. Between 2000 and 2022, deaths from Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. skyrocketed by more than 142%. Direct and long-term care expenditures for Alzheimer’s and other dementias are projected to hit a staggering $384 billion this year, and unpaid caregiving is significant, as nearly 12 million caregivers provided more than 19 billion hours of care last year at a value of $413 billion. The lifetime cost of care for a person with dementia is estimated at more than $400,000, with 70% of that burden borne by family caregivers.
What it means: Alzheimer’s begins 20 years or more before memory loss and other symptoms develop. The Alzheimer’s Association notes that “there have been great strides” in understanding the disease, citing new treatment options that address the underlying biology and slow memory decline for people diagnosed in early stages. The group notes that “while not everyone experiencing cognitive decline has or will develop Alzheimer's disease, early detection and diagnosis can offer deeper insight to help navigate potential next steps, including treatment options.” In particular, anti-amyloid medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration have been shown to reduce cognitive and functional decline.
What happens next: The latest promising advancement in Alzheimer’s detection involves blood-based biomarker tests that reveal biological changes indicating the presence or absence of disease or the risk of developing symptoms, leading to earlier diagnosis. The Alzheimer’s Association says current detection methods are complex and not always readily available, while blood tests are common and easily accessible. A recent survey shows strong interest in early detection and treatment, as about 80% of Americans older than 45 say they would want to know if they had the disease before symptoms occur. “Americans are worried about Alzheimer’s disease,” the report notes, “despite knowing little about it.”
