About Dementia and Alzheimer's

In 2022, an estimated 6.2 million Americans 65 and over are living with Alzheimer’s disease. By 2025, a projected 7.1 million Americans will be diagnosed with dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 50%-75% of all cases. Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the destruction of brain cells and nerves, which disrupts the brain’s ability to process and transmit messages.

As a result, patients living with dementia experience challenges in their ability to live and function independently, often prompting the involvement of their families and loved ones. 

Over 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for persons living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. These caregivers provide an estimated 15.3 billion hours of care annually, valued at nearly $257 billion. The emotional, physical, and financial burdens experienced by caregivers are significant, often resulting in increased stress and depression and a decreased quality of life.  

Alzheimer’s disease also has a significant economic impact on the healthcare system due to medical care, long-term care, and hospice care costs. In 2022, the cost of caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias was estimated at $321 billion in the United States, projected to be $1 trillion in 2050. With millions of Americans affected and the aging population continuing to grow, Alzheimer’s disease represents a substantial challenge for persons living with dementia, families, caregivers, and the healthcare system.