The 2015 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report takes an in-depth look at the prevalence, incidence, mortality and economic impact of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. This year's edition features a special report on receiving an Alzheimer's diagnosis.
The Alzheimer's Association 2015 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report is a comprehensive compilation of national statistics and information on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The report conveys the impact of Alzheimer's on individuals, families, government and the nation's health care system. Since its 2007 inaugural release, the report has become the preeminent source covering the broad spectrum of Alzheimer's issues.
The Alzheimer's Epidemic and Its Impact
According to the report, an estimated 5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease in 2015, including 500,000 in Florida. Barring the development of medical breakthroughs, the number of Americans with Alzheimer's disease will rise to 13.8 million by 2050.
Almost half a million (approx. 473,000) people age 65 or older will develop Alzheimer's in the U.S. in 2015.
And two-thirds (3.2 million) of Americans over age 65 with Alzheimer's are women.
Every 67 seconds, someone in the U.S. develops Alzheimer's. By mid-century, an American will develop the disease every 33 seconds. And two-thirds (3.2 million) of Americans over age 65 with Alzheimer's are women.
Alzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S., and the fifth-leading cause of death for those age 65 and older. From 2000-2013, the number of Alzheimer's deaths increased 71 percent, while deaths from other major diseases decreased. (Heart disease deaths decreased 14 percent; stroke deaths, 23 percent; HIV deaths, 52 percent; prostate cancer deaths, 11 percent; and breast cancer deaths, 2 percent.
Costs and financial impact.
Alzheimer's is the costliest disease to society. The total 2015 payments for caring for those with Alzheimer's and other dementias are estimated at $226 billion, of which $153 billion is the cost to Medicare and Medicaid alone. The total payments for health care, long-term care and hospice for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias are projected to increase to more than $1 trillion in 2050 (in current dollars).
Unpaid caregivers.
In 2014, the 15.7 million family and other unpaid caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias provided an estimated 17.9 billion hours of unpaid care, a contribution to the nation valued at $217.7 billion (with care valued at $12.17 per hour).
Further, 75 percent of all people with Alzheimer's or dementia are cared for by unpaid caregivers, typically a spouse who is also experiencing a decline in health. In 2014, 1,058,000 Florida caregivers provided over 1.2 billion hours of unpaid care to people with Alzheimer's and dementia valued at $14.7 trillion. With the annual cost of placement in a skilled nursing facility for a person living with Alzheimer's disease averaging $77,380 caregivers who provide care for their loved one with Alzheimer's at home represent a tremendous cost savings for the State of Florida.
Too often this benefit is at the expense of the caregivers' physical, emotional and financial well-being. This is exhibited by increased health care costs of caregivers of $688 million per year.
Services for families.
The Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association provides many services to support caregivers and people with dementia. The 24/7 Confidential Helpline (1-800-272-3900) provides information and resources on all aspects of dementia and caregiving. Through Care Consultations program specialists offer personalized services to families in needs often times helping to resolve issues while helping to establish long-term plans. Trainings, support groups, and social engagement opportunities for caregivers and people in the early stages of dementia offer formal and informal education while helping to establish social connections with peers.
Learn more about other Chapter services and the 2015 Facts and Figures report.