facts about alzheimers disease

Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease where symptoms of dementia gradually increase and intensify over the years, making it difficult for seniors to live out their normal daily lives. Alzheimer’s affects more than 5 million people in the United States and has become an increasingly common concern for the medical field and caregivers to manage. Here are the most up to date facts on the advanced disease:

  • Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States.
  • Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60% to 80% of cases.
  • By 2050, the number of people aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s dementia is projected to reach 13.8 million.
  • 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
  • Family members and friends provided nearly $244 billion in unpaid care to people with Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases in 2019.
  • In America, 16 million people in total provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
  • In 2020, the total national cost of caring for people with Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases is projected to reach $305 billion, which does not include nearly $244 billion in unpaid caregiving by family and friends. This number could jump as high as $1.1 trillion by 2050.
  • 82% of primary care physicians say they are on the front lines of providing dementia care. 
  • Alzheimer’s takes the lives of more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.
  • 50% of primary care physicians believe the medical profession is not ready for the growing number of people with Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
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