Page 10 - Healthy Brain Initiative, State and Local Public Health Partnerships to Address Dementia: The 2018-2023 Road Map

A GROWING CRISIS

A review of recent data reveals rapidly increasing
trends in the number of people with dementia and
associated healthcare costs. Accompanying these
trends is the growing challenge to family and friends
who are caring for others over extended periods of
time.

Alzheimer’s is increasingly understood as a
disease that spans many years, with biological
changes occurring decades prior to symptom
onset.

» Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of
death in the U.S., and the fifth leading cause of
death for those aged 65 and older. 1

» Although deaths from other major causes have
decreased significantly, records indicate that
deaths from Alzheimer's disease have increased
significantly.

» Nearly six million Americans are living with
Alzheimer’s dementia. By 2050, this number is
1
projected to reach nearly 14 million. 1

» Younger-onset (also known as early-onset)
Alzheimer’s dementia affects an estimated
200,000 people younger than age 65. 1
» The science related to Alzheimer’s and other
dementias is rapidly evolving. Gaps remain,
but best available evidence indicates that
opportunities may exist to lessen the burden of the
disease on the U.S. population.

4 Healthy Brain Initiative State and Local Public Health Partnerships to Address Dementia: The 2018–2023 Road Map