One in three seniors will die with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, according to the latest edition of the Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report released today. The annual report details the growing prevalence and escalating impact of Alzheimer’s on individuals, caregivers, families, government and the nation’s health care system. Among the highlights of the report are updated numbers on the growing mortality from Alzheimer's, the cost of the disease to families, and the burden placed on long-distance caregivers.

Among the highlights of the report:

The number of Americans with Alzheimer’s could triple by 2050.

• In 2013, 5.2 million Americans, including 200,000 individuals under age 65, are living with Alzheimer’s. In 2050, that number could be as high as 16 million.
• Among those Americans aged 65 and over with Alzheimer’s, nearly two-thirds (3.2 million) are women.
• About half of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias have not been diagnosed.

With Alzheimer’s Disease, you either die from it or with it.

• Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
• In 2010, more than 83,000 Americans died from Alzheimer’s disease, according to official statistics – an increase of 68% since 2000.
• One in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. And, in 2013, an estimated 450,000 people in the United States will die with Alzheimer’s.

The cost of caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease continues to rise.

• The total direct costs of caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in 2013 are estimated at $203 billion, including $142 billion in costs to Medicare and Medicaid combined.
• Most people with Alzheimer’s have one or more other chronic conditions, which drives higher Medicare costs.
• The average Medicare costs for seniors with diabetes and Alzheimer’s or another dementia are 81% higher than seniors with diabetes but no Alzheimer’s or dementia; for beneficiaries with heart disease, costs are 61% higher.
• In 2008, there were 780 hospital stays per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries with Alzheimer’s and other dementias compared with 234 hospital stays per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries without these conditions.

It’s not just those with the disease who suffer. It’s also their caregivers.

• In 2012, 15.4 million caregivers provided an estimated 17.5 billion hours of unpaid care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, a contribution to the nation valued at more than $216 billion.
• Nearly 15% of caregivers for people with Alzheimer’s or another dementia are “long-distance caregivers” – caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease who live at least 1 hour away. They have out-of-pocket costs almost double that of local caregivers, with average annual out-of-pocket expenses totaling $9,654.
• Because of the physical and emotional toll of caregiving, Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers had over $9 billion in higher health care costs of their own in 2012.

For more information on the 2013 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, including to read the full report and find Alzheimer’s statistics for your state, visit alz.org/facts.

Public Health Action on Alzheimer's disease 

A critical first step in elevating the issue of Alzheimer’s disease is education. Take these simple steps to help increase education and awareness about Alzheimer’s disease:

• Spread the word. Share the Facts and Figures video and infographic.
• Know the 10 Signs. Early detection offers the best opportunities for early intervention, better medical outcomes, and maintenance of independent living, including support of healthy living that may lessen secondary disorders and enhance quality of life. The public health community should undertake early detection campaigns.