It is estimated that as many as 5.1 million Americans may have Alzheimer's disease.
The incidence of the disease is rising in line with the aging population.
Although Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging, the risk of developing the illness rises with advanced age. Current research from the National Institute on Aging indicates that the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease doubles every five years beyond age 65.
As our population ages, the disease impacts a greater percentage of Americans. The number of people age 65 and older will more than double between 2010 and 2050 to 88.5 million or 20 percent of the population; likewise, those 85 and older will rise three-fold, to 19 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
It is estimated that about a half million Americans younger than age 65 have some form of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. (This is referred to as young onset or early onset.)
It is estimated that one to four family members act as caregivers for each individual with Alzheimer's disease.
For more information, connect with the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s licensed social workers. Click here or call 866.232.8484. Real People. Real Care.
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
322 Eighth Ave., 7th fl.
New York, N.Y. 10001 firstname.lastname@example.org