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The Alzheimer’s Association has just released the findings from its 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease facts and figures report. This report reveals new insights from both dementia caregivers and health care workers. Joining us today to share details is Dr. Sam Fazio, from the Alzheimer’s association. The 2024 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report provides an in-depth look at the latest national and state-by-state statistics on Alzheimer’s disease prevalence, mortality, caregiving, and costs of care. More Americans have Alzheimer’s disease.
An estimated 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s dementia. It is estimated that approximately 200,000 Americans under the age of 65 have younger-onset Alzheimer’s. Deaths due to Alzheimer’s disease are increasing. Between 2000 and 2021, the number of deaths from Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. as recorded on death certificates more than doubled, increasing 141%, while deaths from the number-one cause of death in the U.S. (heart disease) decreased 2.1%. Dr. Fazio notes the increase in numbers comes two-fold. “We’re knowing more about the disease, we have more accurate diagnostic tools so people are getting diagnosed, and then secondly — and probably most significantly — is the biggest risk factor is age.”
In North Carolina, there are over 200,000 people aged 65 and older have been diagnosed or living with Alzheimer or Dementia. “Our population is aging,” said Dr. Fazio. “More people are getting older, and more people are developing the disease.” Alzheimer’s disease was the fifth-leading cause of death among individuals age 65 and older in 2021 (the most recent year for mortality data). Alzheimer’s is one of the most costly diseases for individuals, families, caregivers, and the government. “62,000 individuals over the age of 65 are living with Alzheimer’s dementia, and when we look at the caregivers, they are 90,000 families and friends who are serving as caregivers,” said Dr. Fazio. The total cost for caring for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the United States is projected to reach $360 billion in 2024. In addition, family and friends provided nearly $350 billion ($346.5) in unpaid caregiving in 2023. Without new treatments and advancements in care, the total cost for caring for people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is projected to reach nearly $1 trillion in 2050. “60% of healthcare worker say that the system is not meeting the need of the patient” says Dr. Fazio. Caregiving time, costs of care continue to rise. “We want the report to serve as a catalyst to raise awareness and to make change” says Dr. Fazio. He adds “what is needed is education and affordability to help all involved navigate the waters of Alzheimer’s. For more information visit ALZ.org/facts