Alzheimer’s Prevalence, Cost & Demographics

Alzheimer’s disease continues to be one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time, impacting millions of lives and placing an immense burden on families, caregivers, and the healthcare system.

With over 6.7 million Americans currently living with Alzheimer’s dementia, and this number projected to nearly double by 2050, the need for innovative solutions has never been more urgent.

At NeuroEM, we are committed to addressing this growing crisis by pioneering advanced, non-invasive therapies aimed at altering the course of Alzheimer’s.

Our work is grounded in the latest scientific research and guided by a deep understanding of the human impact of this disease. Below, we share key facts and figures, as published by the Alzheimer's Association, that underscore the critical importance of our mission and the urgent need for continued advancements in Alzheimer’s treatment and care.

  • Prevalence

    Alzheimer’s disease accounts for an estimated 60% to 80% of dementia cases

  • Lifetime Risk

    One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.

  • Mortality

    Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.

  • Trends

    Deaths from Alzheimer’s have increased 145% between 2000 and 2021.

  • Current Impact

    Over 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2024.

  • Projected Growth

    By 2050, the number of people aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s dementia is expected to reach 12.7 million, barring medical breakthroughs to prevent or cure the disease.

  • Gender Differences

    Nearly two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s are women.

  • Age Factor

    The percentage of people with Alzheimer’s dementia increases dramatically with age; 5% of people aged 65-74, 13.2% of people aged 75-84, and 33.4% of people aged 85+ have Alzheimer’s dementia.

  • Cost of Care

    In 2024, the total national cost of caring for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is projected to reach $379 billion.

  • Medicare & Medicaid

    Medicare and Medicaid are expected to cover $239 billion, or 63% of the total health care and long-term care payments for Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

  • Out of Pocket Costs

    Out-of-pocket spending for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is expected to reach $103 billion in 2024.

  • Family Caregivers

    More than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, contributing an estimated 16 billion hours of care valued at nearly $272 billion.

  • Impact on Caregivers

    Approximately 59% of Alzheimer’s caregivers rated the emotional stress of caregiving as high or very high.

  • Racial & Ethnic Differences

    African Americans are about twice as likely, and Hispanics are about 1.5 times as likely, to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias as older Whites.

  • Genetics

    Having one or more copies of the APOE-e4 gene increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s dementia.

  • Economic Impact

    In 2024, caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias provided an estimated $272 billion in unpaid care.

  • Employment Impact

    Among caregivers who were employed, 60% had to cut back on work or take time off due to caregiving responsibilities.

  • Direct Care Workers

    The U.S. will need an estimated 1.2 million more direct care workers by 2030 to meet the growing demand.

  • Mixed Dementias

    Most individuals with Alzheimer’s dementia also have brain changes related to other types of dementia.

  • Rural-Urban Divide

    Rural areas have a higher percentage of older adults with Alzheimer’s dementia compared to urban areas.

  • Cognitive Decine

    An estimated 12% of Americans aged 60 and older reported worsening memory problems in the past year.

  • Hospitalization

    People with Alzheimer’s dementia are twice as likely to be hospitalized as older adults who do not have the disease.

  • Comorbidities

    Nearly half of people with Alzheimer’s dementia have four or more chronic conditions.

  • Policy Impact

    Reducing the risk factors for Alzheimer’s dementia could significantly decrease the future prevalence of the disease and its associated costs.