Estimated 7.2 Million Americans 65 Years and Older Have Alzheimer Dementia
By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter
THURSDAY, May 1, 2025 -- An estimated 7.2 million Americans aged 65 years and older are living with Alzheimer dementia, and almost all adults feel it is important to diagnose the disease in the early stages, according to a report published by the Alzheimer's Association.
The authors of the report describe the prevalence, mortality and morbidity, caregiving, and costs of care for Alzheimer disease. In addition, the report focuses on knowledge, interest, and views regarding detection and treatment of Alzheimer disease.
According to the report, in 2025, an estimated 7.2 million Americans aged 65 years and older are living with Alzheimer dementia (11 percent of those aged 65 years and older). People diagnosed at earlier stages (mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia) are eligible for new anti-amyloid medications (donanemab and lecanemab). Ninety-nine percent of Americans said it is important to diagnose Alzheimer disease in the early stages of the disease. Fifty-nine percent viewed cognitive screening as an important aspect of preventive health care. Seventy-nine percent of Americans would want to know if they had Alzheimer disease before experiencing symptoms or before symptoms interfere with daily activities. More than 90 percent of Americans would definitely or probably want a simple medical test to detect Alzheimer disease: 91 percent before symptoms appear and 95 percent when experiencing early symptoms. Eighty-three percent would want to undergo simple medical testing to allow for earlier treatment and care.
"Our survey finds that people want to know if they have Alzheimer [disease], and they want to know before it impacts their daily life," Elizabeth Edgerly, Ph.D., senior director of Community Programs and Services at the Alzheimer's Association, said in a statement.
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.
© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted May 2025
Read this next
Sense of Life Purpose Lowers Risk for Cognitive Impairment
THURSDAY, Sept. 4, 2025 -- A sense of purpose in life (PiL) is associated with a lower risk for and later onset of cognitive impairment, according to a study published online in...
Intake of Low-, No-Calorie Sweeteners Tied to Faster Cognitive Decline
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 3, 2025 -- Consumption of low- and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCSs) is associated with faster cognitive decline, according to a study published online Sept. 3 in...
Type of Hormone Therapy Used After Menopause Affects Memory Performance
FRIDAY, Aug. 29, 2025 -- Earlier age at menopause is associated with lower scores on all cognitive domains, and menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) differentially affects cognition...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.