Alzheimer’s in the U.S. 2025
Alzheimer’s disease remains one of the most urgent and complex public health challenges in the United States, especially as the population continues to age rapidly. In 2025, an estimated 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease—a number that is expected to nearly double by 2060. As the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S., Alzheimer’s has far-reaching consequences not only for those diagnosed but also for their families, caregivers, and the broader healthcare system.
The growing prevalence of Alzheimer’s reflects a combination of factors, including increased life expectancy, greater awareness, and improved diagnostic capabilities. However, the disease remains without a cure, and treatments only modestly slow its progression. The economic burden is staggering, with total healthcare and long-term care costs reaching hundreds of billions of dollars annually. This report presents the latest statistics from CDC, the Alzheimer’s Association, and other top sources, highlighting the demographic, economic, and social impact of Alzheimer’s disease in the United States in 2025.
Alzheimer’s Statistics in the U.S 2025
Facts About Alzheimer’s Disease in the US (2025)
| Fact Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Disease Classification | Alzheimer’s accounts for 60–80% of all dementia cases |
| Caregiver Impact | Nearly 4 in 5 Americans would want to know diagnosis before symptoms |
| Economic Comparison | Unpaid caregiver hours valued at $413.5 billion—16× McDonald’s 2023 revenue |
| Gender Distribution | Two-thirds of Alzheimer’s caregivers are women |
| Family Impact | Over one-third of dementia caregivers are daughters |
| Age Demographics | 30% of caregivers are 65 or older |
Before diving into detailed statistics, it’s essential to understand some striking facts that demonstrate just how far-reaching Alzheimer’s disease is in the United States in 2025. First, Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60–80% of all dementia cases, making it the dominant cause of cognitive decline among older adults. As public awareness rises, so does the desire for early detection: nearly 4 in 5 Americans say they would prefer to know if they had Alzheimer’s before any symptoms appear, showing strong demand for early diagnostic technologies and preventive care.
The burden on caregivers is also enormous. In 2025, the value of unpaid caregiver work supporting people with Alzheimer’s reached an estimated $413.5 billion—which is nearly 16 times the total revenue earned by McDonald’s in 2023. The caregiving workforce is overwhelmingly female, with two-thirds of all Alzheimer’s caregivers being women, and over one-third of those caregivers are daughters. Notably, 30% of all Alzheimer’s caregivers are age 65 or older themselves, making them part of a vulnerable population who are often managing their own aging-related health needs while providing extensive care. These insights emphasize the deeply personal and economic impacts of Alzheimer’s on millions of American families.
Current Prevalence & Demographics of Alzheimer’s in the US (2025)
Overall Population Impact of Alzheimer’s Disease (US, 2025)
| Metric | 2024 Data | Future Projections |
|---|---|---|
| Americans Age 65+ with Alzheimer’s | 6.9 million | 13.8 million by 2060 |
| Total Americans with Alzheimer’s | 6.5–6.9 million | Projected to double by 2060 |
| Annual Growth | Steady increase | Barring medical breakthroughs |
As of 2024, an estimated 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease, reflecting the overwhelming burden this condition places on the nation’s aging population. When including all age groups, the total number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s lies between 6.5 million and 6.9 million. This number is expected to double by 2060, driven primarily by increased life expectancy and the rapid growth of the senior population.
The disease’s annual growth trend is steady, with no signs of slowing unless a major medical breakthrough changes the trajectory. The current demographic shift toward an older population base means Alzheimer’s will continue to rise as a major public health crisis in the decades ahead. Without advances in prevention or treatment, the growing number of affected individuals will place unprecedented strain on caregivers, health systems, and long-term care facilities.
Alzheimer’s Prevalence in Long-Term Care Facilities (US, 2020–2022)
| Care Setting | % with Alzheimer’s/Dementia | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Home Residents | 45.6% | 2020 |
| Hospice Patients | 45.2% | 2020 |
| Long-term Care Hospital Patients | 45.3% | 2020 |
| Residential Care Community Residents | 43.8% | 2022 |
| Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Patients | 36.7% | 2020 |
| Home Health Agency Patients | 35.6% | 2020 |
| Adult Day Services Center Participants | 34.1% | 2022 |
Alzheimer’s disease heavily dominates the landscape of long-term care in the United States. In 2020, nearly half of all nursing home residents (45.6%) had Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Similar proportions were seen in hospice patients (45.2%) and long-term care hospital patients (45.3%), highlighting how late-stage cognitive decline is a major reason for institutional care placement and end-of-life services.
Even in community-based and transitional settings, the impact remains severe. In 2022, 43.8% of residential care community residents had Alzheimer’s, while 36.7% of patients in inpatient rehabilitation facilities, 35.6% of home health agency patients, and 34.1% of adult day service participants were affected. These figures confirm that Alzheimer’s is not only a healthcare crisis but a structural challenge, dominating the population of nearly every care setting that supports older adults in the U.S.
Mortality & Health Impact of Alzheimer’s in the US (2025)
Alzheimer’s Death Statistics in the United States (2023)
| Mortality Metric | 2023 Data |
|---|---|
| Total Deaths from Alzheimer’s | 114,034 |
| Deaths per 100,000 Population | 34.0 |
| Cause of Death Ranking | 6th leading cause |
| Previous Year Deaths (2021) | 119,399 |
In 2023, Alzheimer’s disease caused 114,034 deaths in the United States, with a death rate of 34.0 per 100,000 population. This makes it the 6th leading cause of death nationally, underscoring its persistent lethality even in the face of medical advances. The number is slightly lower than the 119,399 deaths reported in 2021, but Alzheimer’s remains one of the few top causes of death with no known cure or effective long-term treatment.
These figures highlight not only the clinical impact of Alzheimer’s but also its societal cost, as it continues to claim more lives than several other high-profile diseases. As the older population increases, these numbers are projected to rise again in the coming years—unless significant therapeutic breakthroughs occur. Alzheimer’s mortality is particularly alarming given its slow progression and the intense burden it places on caregivers and healthcare systems in the years preceding death.
Alzheimer’s Emergency Department Utilization (US, 2020–2022)
| Emergency Care Metric | Rate/Data | Time Period |
|---|---|---|
| Annual ED Visit Rate (Age 65+) | 36.1 visits per 1,000 adults | 2020–2022 |
| Total Annual ED Visits | Approximately 1.99 million | Annual average |
| Ambulance Arrival Frequency | Higher than general population | 2020–2022 |
| Age Correlation | ED visit rates increase with age | Consistent trend |
Between 2020 and 2022, older Americans with Alzheimer’s visited emergency departments at a rate of 36.1 visits per 1,000 adults age 65+, totaling approximately 1.99 million ED visits per year. This high utilization reflects both the physical complications of advanced dementia and the lack of home- or community-based resources to handle urgent issues.
Alzheimer’s patients are also more likely to arrive at the ED by ambulance than the general population, suggesting higher levels of severity and urgency. Moreover, ED visit rates increase consistently with age, further confirming that as the disease progresses, patients require more frequent emergency medical interventions. This pattern places considerable pressure on emergency services and highlights the need for enhanced preventive and home-based care strategies to reduce avoidable hospital use.
Alzheimer’s Economic Impact and Care Costs (US, 2024 Estimates)
Healthcare Expenditures Related to Alzheimer’s (Age 65+)
| Cost Category | 2024 Estimates |
|---|---|
| Total Healthcare Costs (Age 65+) | $360 billion |
| Health Care Services | Portion of $360B |
| Long-term Care Services | Portion of $360B |
| Hospice Services | Portion of $360B |
In 2024, the total healthcare costs for individuals aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s are estimated at $360 billion, covering medical services, long-term care, and hospice support. These figures demonstrate the multifaceted burden of Alzheimer’s—not just in terms of memory loss or physical function, but in long-term infrastructure needs across the full continuum of care.
Much of this cost stems from the need for round-the-clock care, hospital stays, specialized treatment teams, and end-of-life services. Hospice and long-term care represent major portions of this spending, as most Alzheimer’s patients eventually become unable to live independently. Without widespread prevention or treatment advances, these numbers are expected to escalate dramatically in future years.
Economic Burden on Family Caregivers (US, 2024)
| Caregiver Metric | 2024 Data |
|---|---|
| Total Unpaid Care Hours | More than 19 billion hours |
| Economic Value of Unpaid Care | $413.5 billion |
| Comparison Reference | 16× McDonald’s 2023 revenue |
| Average Hours per Caregiver | Varies by care intensity |
Family members continue to carry the bulk of Alzheimer’s care. In 2024, they provided over 19 billion hours of unpaid care, valued at a staggering $413.5 billion—nearly 16 times the total revenue of McDonald’s in 2023. This unpaid labor includes tasks like bathing, feeding, medication management, and transportation—often with little support.
The average time commitment per caregiver varies, but many spend the equivalent of a full-time workweek providing care. This immense personal and economic burden leads to high rates of caregiver burnout, lost wages, and reduced long-term financial security. The numbers reveal a hidden crisis in American households and further emphasize the need for national policies to support dementia caregivers—financially, emotionally, and medically.
Alzheimer’s Care Financing and System Utilization in the US (2025)
Payment Sources for Alzheimer’s Care in the US (2025)
| Payment Source | Percentage of Care Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare | Major portion | Primary payer for 65+ population |
| Medicaid | Significant portion | Covers most long-term care services |
| Private Insurance | Moderate portion | Acts as supplemental coverage |
| Out-of-Pocket | Substantial burden | Heavy financial impact on families |
| Other Sources | Various | HMOs, military benefits, other funds |
Alzheimer’s care in the US is financed through a complex mix of sources, with Medicare covering the major portion of costs, particularly for those aged 65 and older. Medicaid also plays a vital role, particularly for long-term care services, which are typically not fully covered by Medicare. Families often rely on private insurance for supplemental coverage, though this represents only a moderate share of total costs.
A significant concern is the out-of-pocket burden, which remains high for many families. Despite public programs, patients and caregivers face steep expenses for home modifications, daily care, and non-covered medical services. The involvement of other sources—such as health maintenance organizations (HMOs), veteran programs, and charity-funded care—adds complexity to navigating coverage, often requiring coordination among several institutions.
State-Level and Demographic Variations in Alzheimer’s Impact (US, 2025)
| Regional Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Population Density | Urban vs. rural care access disparities |
| Age Demographics | States with older populations show higher rates |
| Healthcare Infrastructure | Affects quality and availability of dementia care |
| Economic Factors | Influences care options and caregiver resources |
The burden of Alzheimer’s varies widely across states due to demographic and infrastructure differences. States with higher population density may offer better access to neurologists and memory clinics, but also face care facility shortages. Conversely, rural areas struggle with limited access, leading to delayed diagnosis and fragmented care.
States with older populations—such as Florida, West Virginia, and Maine—see higher Alzheimer’s rates, which strain local healthcare systems. The availability and quality of care also depend heavily on state-level infrastructure and funding, including Medicaid expansions and support services. Economic conditions further affect family care decisions, with lower-income households often relying more on unpaid caregiving and fewer professional services.
Alzheimer’s Healthcare Service Utilization Patterns in the US (2025)
| Healthcare Service | Utilization Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Care Visits | Higher frequency | Increases as disease progresses |
| Specialist Consultations | Regular monitoring | Often includes neurologists & geriatricians |
| Emergency Services | 36.1 per 1,000 adults (65+) | Above average for general population |
| Hospitalization | Frequent complications | Often due to falls, infections, disorientation |
Alzheimer’s patients utilize healthcare services at significantly higher rates than their age-matched peers. Primary care visits become more frequent as symptoms worsen and comorbid conditions emerge. These patients also require routine specialist monitoring, typically from neurologists and geriatricians, to manage medication, behavior, and cognitive decline.
Emergency care use remains elevated, with 36.1 emergency visits per 1,000 adults age 65+—higher than the national average. Hospitalization is common, often resulting from falls, infections, or acute confusion. These episodes increase healthcare costs and can result in long-term functional decline, highlighting the need for proactive outpatient and home-based care strategies.
Future Projections for Alzheimer’s Burden in the US (2025–2060)
| Projection Category | Current (2024) | 2060 Projection |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cases (65+) | 6.9 million | 13.8 million |
| Percentage Increase | Baseline | 100% increase |
| Healthcare Cost Impact | $360 billion | Projected significant rise |
| Caregiver Demand | 19+ billion hours | Expected to double |
Looking ahead, Alzheimer’s prevalence is expected to double by 2060, with 13.8 million Americans age 65+ projected to be affected. This represents a 100% increase from the current 6.9 million cases. Without breakthroughs in treatment, this trajectory will drive massive increases in care demands, institutional support, and family strain.
The economic implications are staggering. With $360 billion in healthcare costs already estimated in 2024, the financial load is poised to grow. Simultaneously, unpaid caregiving hours—already surpassing 19 billion annually—are projected to double, amplifying the emotional, physical, and financial burden on families. Urgent action on prevention, early detection, and caregiver support is essential to mitigate this escalating crisis.
Long-Term Alzheimer’s Care Trends in the US (2025)
Care Setting Evolution for Alzheimer’s Patients in the US (2025)
| Care Evolution Factor | Current Status | Future Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Home-Based Care | 35.6% of home health patients | Growing preference |
| Community Care | 34.1% of adult day services users | Expansion needed |
| Institutional Care | 45%+ in various facilities | Capacity challenges |
| Integrated Care Models | Emerging approaches | Policy development needed |
The care landscape for Alzheimer’s in the US is undergoing a significant shift, with increasing reliance on home-based services, which currently support 35.6% of home health agency patients. Families often prefer home care due to its comfort, familiarity, and lower cost, especially for patients in early or moderate stages. Meanwhile, community-based options, such as adult day services, serve 34.1% of enrolled participants, providing crucial respite for caregivers and social engagement for patients.
Despite these trends, institutional care still accounts for over 45% of Alzheimer’s patients across long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and hospices. This presents serious capacity and funding challenges as the aging population grows. To meet future demand, the adoption of integrated care models—which combine medical, social, and behavioral health services—is emerging but still in its early stages. These models show promise, but require expanded policy support and infrastructure investment to be scaled effectively.
Alzheimer’s Research and Development Outlook in the US (2025)
Research and Development Focus Areas for Alzheimer’s in the US (2025)
| Research Area | Current Status | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Prevention Strategies | Under investigation | Could alter projections significantly |
| Early Detection | Advancing rapidly | May improve care planning |
| Treatment Options | Limited but growing | FDA approvals increasing |
| Care Innovations | Technology integration | Improving quality of life |
Medical research and technological development are crucial to reshaping the future of Alzheimer’s care in the US. Currently, prevention strategies are under investigation, including efforts to address inflammation, genetics, and modifiable risk factors. If successful, these could dramatically reduce projected cases, potentially easing future care burdens. At the same time, early detection tools—especially AI-powered diagnostics and imaging—are advancing quickly, offering the possibility of earlier interventions and better long-term care planning.
While current treatment options remain limited, the landscape is evolving. Several new medications have gained FDA approval, with more in clinical trials targeting beta-amyloid and tau proteins. These developments signal progress, though long-term efficacy remains under review. In the care space, innovations like remote monitoring, wearable devices, and virtual cognitive therapy are being integrated into daily care. These tools have the potential to enhance quality of life and independence, especially in early stages of the disease, and could become standard in future dementia care models.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
