Table 1.

Alzheimer’s Epidemiological and Burden of Disease facts [25–27].

Worldwide Alzheimer’s disease: Worldwide, nearly 44 million people have Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. (Alzheimer’s Disease International) Only 1-in-4 people with Alzheimer’s disease have been diagnosed. (Alzheimer’s Disease International) Alzheimer’s and dementia are most common in Western Europe (North America is close behind). Alzheimer’s is least prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa. (Alzheimer’s Disease International) Alzheimer’s and other dementias are the top cause for disabilities in later life. (Alzheimer’s Disease International)

The cost of AD Care: The cost of caring for Alzheimer’s patients in the U.S. is estimated to be $236 billion in 2016. (Alzheimer’s Association) http://act.alz.org/site/DocServer/2012_Costs_Fact_Sheet_version_2.pdf?docID=7161 The global cost of Alzheimer’s and dementia is estimated to be $605 billion, which is equivalent to 1% of the entire world’s gross domestic product. Medicare and Medicaid are expected to pay $154 billion in 2017 for health care, long-term care and hospice for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Aggregate Cost of Care by Payer for Americans Age 65 and Older with Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias: Medicare $113 Billion, Medicaid $41 Billion, Out of pocket $44 Billion, Other $29 Billion.

Alzheimer’s in the United States 1-in-9 Americans over 65 has Alzheimer’s disease. (Alzheimer’s Association) When the first wave of baby boomers reaches age 85 (in 2031), it is projected that more than 3 million people age 85 and older will have Alzheimer’s. (Alzheimer’s Association) One-third of Americans over age 85 are afflicted with the illness. (Alzheimer’s Association) 5.3 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. (Alzheimer’s Association) Unless a cure is found, more than 16 million Americans will have the disease by 2050. (Alzheimer’s Association) Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in America. (Centers for Disease Control) 1-in-3 seniors die with Alzheimer’s or another kind of dementia. (Centers for Disease Control) Typical life expectancy after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is 4-to-8 years. (Alzheimer’s Association) In 2016, the 85-years-and-older population includes about 2 million people with Alzheimer’s disease, or 40% of all people with Alzheimer’s age 65 and older. (Alzheimer’s Association) By 2050, there could be as many as 7 million people age 85 and older with Alzheimer’s disease, accounting for half (51%) of all people 65 and older with Alzheimer’s. (Alzheimer’s Association) Proportion of people with Alzheimer’s Disease in the United States by age: (Alzheimer’s Association) 85+ years – 38%, 75–84 years, 44%, 65–74 years, 15%, <65 years, 4%

Alzheimer’s Incidence by Age and Ethnicity