Alzheimer’s Disease By The Numbers

Did you know that Alzheimer’s disease actually begins 20 or more years before memory loss and other symptoms develop?

“Most people know that Alzheimer’s is a cruel disease, but there’s a lot about the disease that people don’t understand,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations manager at the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, so we’re joining other organizations to educate people about Alzheimer’s and share information about available resources and support.”

Alzheimer’s Facts

According to the Alzheimer’s Association:

• An estimated 6.7 million Americans age 65 and older are currently living with Alzheimer’s. By 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million. 

• About 1 in 9 people age 65 and older has Alzheimer’s.

• 73% of Americans living with Alzheimer’s are age 75 or older. 

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

• 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. It kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. 

• More than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. 

• Last year, unpaid caregivers provided an estimated 18 billion hours of care valued at $339.5 billion. 

• Between 2020 and 2030. 1.2 million additional direct care workers will be needed to care for the growing population of people living with dementia – the largest worker gap in the U.S.

Experienced Alzheimer’s Caregivers

“Alzheimer’s is a brutal disease – one that puts a lot of stress on families,” Goetz said. “Many of us at HCAN have personal experience with Alzheimer’s, so we understand many of the challenges that come with the disease, and we’re committed to helping families cope with them. When more care is required, our professional caregivers can help. They’re trained to care for people who have Alzheimer’s – giving families much needed respite from day-to-day caregiving responsibilities.”

For more information about in-home Alzheimer’s care services, visit hcanthrive.com or call your local HCAN-supported office. 

To find additional resources and support in your area, visit alz.org.