An estimated 6.7 million individuals in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s disease as of 2023, representing about 10.8% of the population age 65 and older. By 2050 if current prevalence and aging trends continue, the number with Alzheimer’s disease is projected to reach nearly 13 million.
The risk and prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia rises with age.
- Ages 65 to 74 years: 5.0% chance of Alzheimer’s dementia. In 2023, 1.79 million people in this age group are affected. They represent 26.7% of the 6.7 million living with dementia.
- Ages 75 to 84: 13.1% chance of Alzheimer’s dementia. In 2023, 2.43 million in this age group are affected. They represent 37.9% of all those with dementia.
- Ages 85 yeas and older: 33.3% chance of Alzheimer’s dementia. In 2023, 2.37 million in this age group are affected. They represent 35.4% of those with dementia.
People younger than 65 can also develop Alzheimer’s dementia. Although prevalence studies of younger-onset dementia in the United States are limited, researchers believe about 110 of every 100,000 people ages 30 to 64 years, or about 200,000 Americans in total, have younger-onset dementia.
Despite promising advances in the treatment of early-stage Alzheimer’s dementia, challenges persist in both diagnosis and treatment. These challenges include a lack of communication with doctors and missed opportunities for early-stage diagnoses and intervention.
These findings were presented in “2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures” by the Alzheimer’s Association. The report is a comprehensive compilation of national statistics and information on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The report conveys the impact of Alzheimer’s on individuals, families, government, and the nation’s health care system. The estimated number of people aged 65 years and older with Alzheimer’s dementia comes from an updated study using the latest data from the 2023 population projections from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Chicago Health and Aging Project (CHAP), a population-based study of chronic health conditions of older people.
The full text of “2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures” was published March 15, 2023, by the Alzheimer’s Association. An abstract is available online at https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures.
For more information, contact:
- Public Relations Department, Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, Illinois 60601; 312-335-4078; Email: media@alz.org; Website: https://www.alz.org/
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Note from Heritage Health Services:
Alzheimer’s, any of the other dementias, and the various mental illnesses are devastating to the individual, to their friends and family members, and to our economy.
Worse, too often these illnesses go untreated, inappropriately treated or mistreated.
We need people who give a damn to help. To pay attention. To be alert to early signs. To get involved.
Categories: Alzheimer's, Dementia
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