Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurological brain disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. With an aging population and an increasing prevalence of the disease, understanding Alzheimer’s statistics is crucial for both families and care providers.
In this comprehensive blog post, we will discuss the prevalence and mortality of Alzheimer’s disease, the demographics of caregivers, and how professional home care agencies like LightSpring Home Care can help alleviate the burden on families.
If you have questions about Alzheimer’s, contact our compassionate care experts today for a free consultation and discover how our tailoredAlzheimer’s care services can provide the support your loved one deserves.
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The Prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for an estimated 60-80% of all dementia cases. As the population ages, the number of individuals affected by Alzheimer’s is expected to grow.
Source: CDC
How Many Americans Have Alzheimer’s Disease?
An estimated 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older were living with Alzheimer’s disease in 2023. This number will rise to nearly 14 million by 2050 unless breakthrough treatments are discovered to slow or prevent the disease.
Source: Alzheimer’s Association
What is the Most Common Age to Develop Alzheimer’s Disease?
The risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease increases with age. While the condition can affect individuals in their 40s or 50s, known as early-onset Alzheimer’s, most cases occur in individuals aged 65 and older. The likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease doubles every five years after age 65, with nearly 50% of those aged 85 and older at risk.
An estimated 6.7 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in 2023, with 73% being 75 or older. About 1 in 9 people 65 and older (10.7%) have Alzheimer’s.
Source: Alzheimer’s Association
What Gender is Most Likely to Get Alzheimer’s?
Women are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than men. Nearly two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s are women. Although part of this disparity can be attributed to women’s longer life expectancy, research suggests that biological differences between the sexes may also play a role.
Source: National Institute of Health
Which Race is Most Likely to Get Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease disproportionately affects certain racial and ethnic groups. African Americans are approximately twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as non-Hispanic white individuals, while Hispanics are about 1.5 times more likely. These disparities may be linked to genetic, social, and environmental factors.
Source: Alzheimer’s Association
Which States Have the Highest Rates of Alzheimer’s?
The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease varies by state, with some areas experiencing higher rates of the condition. States with the highest prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in 2021 included Florida, Texas, California, New York, and Pennsylvania. This distribution is influenced by factors such as population size, age distribution, and overall health of the state’s population.
Source: Alzheimer’s Association
The Mortality of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a leading cause of death in the United States. Alzheimer’s disease deaths was the sixth-leading cause of death among all adults and the fifth-leading cause for those aged 65 and older. The COVID-19 pandemic knocked Alzheimer’s down to #7 in 2021 and 2022.
Understanding the mortality rate and life expectancy with Alzheimer’s can help clients and their families better plan for the future.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
What Percentage of People Die From Alzheimer’s Disease?
As of 2021, Alzheimer’s disease was responsible for approximately 1 in 9 deaths among Americans aged 65 and older. Due to the disease’s progressive nature, people with Alzheimer’s eventually become unable to care for themselves, increasing their vulnerability to other health complications that can contribute to mortality, skewing the cause of death.
Source: CDC
How Long Can You Have Alzheimer’s Disease Before It’s Fatal?
The duration of Alzheimer’s disease varies widely between individuals, and the rate of progression can be influenced by factors such as age, overall health, and other medical conditions. On average, individuals with Alzheimer’s disease live 4 to 8 years after diagnosis, but some can live as long as 20 years.
Source: Alzheimer’s Association
Caring For Clients With Alzheimer’s Disease
As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, clients require increasing levels of care and support. Family members often step in as caregivers, but professional care services can play a crucial role in helping families navigate the challenges of Alzheimer’s care.
How Many Alzheimer’s Clients Are Cared For By Family?
Over 11 million family members, friends, and other unpaid caregivers provided care for people with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia in the United States in 2020.
These caregivers provided an estimated 15.3 billion hours of unpaid care, valued at nearly $257 billion.
Source: National Institute of Health
What Are the Demographics of Alzheimer’s Caregivers?
Alzheimer’s caregivers come from diverse backgrounds, including spouses, adult children, siblings, and friends. Women comprise the majority of Alzheimer’s caregivers, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all caregivers. Furthermore, caregivers for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease tend to be older adults, averaging 49.2 years.
Source: CDC
How Will the Demand For Professional Caregivers Change?
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.
As the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease grows, the demand for professional caregivers is expected to increase significantly. Home care agencies like LightSpring Home Care can help alleviate the burden on families by providing specialized, compassionate care tailored to the unique needs of Alzheimer’s clients.
Source: Alzheimer’s Association
Learn More About Alzheimer’s Care at LightSpring Home Care
LightSpring Care provides compassionate and professional home care services for Alzheimer’s clients and their families.
With a focus on personalized care plans and support for clients in their own homes, LightSpring Home Care helps maintain dignity and independence for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Contact us today to learn more about LightSpring Care’s Alzheimer’s care services.
