From Alzheimer’s Association
As the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease tops more than 7 million for the first time, nearly four in five Americans would want to know if they had Alzheimer’s. They also want treatment, even if it comes with risks, as long as it slows the progression of the disease. These are among the insights uncovered in the 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures Report released by the Alzheimer’s Association today.
The 2025 Facts and Figures report provides an in-depth look at the latest national and state-by-state statistics on Alzheimer’s prevalence, mortality, dementia care workforce, costs of care and impact on caregivers. New Ohio statistics revealed the following:
- Number of Ohio residents aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s: 236,200
- Percentage of adults over 65 living with Alzheimer’s: 11.3%
- Statewide deaths from Alzheimer’s disease: 4,953
- Number of Ohio residents serving as unpaid family caregivers: 452,000
- Total hours of unpaid care provided: 679 million
- Total value of unpaid care: $13.3 billion
- Medicaid costs of caring for people with Alzheimer’s in 2025: $3.2 billion
“This year’s report finds that the impact of Alzheimer’s on Ohio residents and families is significant,” says Melissa Zapanta Shelton, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area and Greater East Ohio Area chapters. “Now more than ever, we need to work to advance disease research and treatments that can slow the current trajectory and help all Ohio families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia.”
The new report shows prevalence, disease-related deaths and cost of caring for those living with Alzheimer’s are rising across the country. Among the findings:
- 7.2 million people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease.
- Total annual costs of caring for people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias (excluding unpaid care) is projected to be $384 billion in 2025.
- Additionally, nearly 12 million family members and friends provide 19.2 billion hours of unpaid care, valued at an additional $413 billion.
- Deaths due to Alzheimer’s disease more than doubled between 2000 and 2022.
An accompanying special report, American Perspectives on Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease in the Era of Treatment, highlights a national survey of more than 1,700 U.S. adults, aged 45 and older, examining awareness and attitudes of early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, tests used to help diagnose Alzheimer’s and treatments that can slow progression of the disease.
Among the findings revealed in the new survey: Americans want to know early if they have Alzheimer’s disease and want access to testing.
- Nearly 4 in 5 Americans (79%) would want to know if they had Alzheimer’s disease before having symptoms or before symptoms interfere with daily activities.
- More than 9 in 10 Americans would definitely or probably want a simple test (e.g. blood-based biomarker test) if it was available. The number one reason for wanting a simple test is to allow for earlier treatment and care.
- If diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, most Americans would want medication to slow its progression and would highly value information about the disease and treatment.
- More than 9 in 10 Americans (92%) would probably or definitely want to take a medication that could slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
- Nearly 3 in 5 Americans (58%) said they would accept a moderate or high level of risk with taking an anti-amyloid medication to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. Nearly 1 in 4 Americans (22%) are willing to accept high risk.
- Americans’ top concerns about Alzheimer’s testing are insurance coverage, accuracy and cost.
- 44% worry that insurance won’t cover future care and treatment.
Other top concerns include test accuracy, cost, potential to lose confidence in abilities and not being allowed to do certain activities, such as driving.
Americans are optimistic that the next decade will bring new treatments to slow, prevent and even cure Alzheimer’s disease.
Four in 5 Americans (81%) believe new treatments to stop the progression of Alzheimer’s will emerge in the next decade, and 66% believe new treatments to prevent Alzheimer’s will be available in the near future.
“The survey underscores the need for advancing new treatments and making early diagnosis easier and more accessible to anyone concerned about their memory and thinking. We’re encouraged that the survey finds people want to be proactive in addressing cognitive concerns. That’s a real positive, because early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s offers the best opportunity for care, management and treatment of the disease,” Sheldon says.
To learn more about Alzheimer’s or dementia and to access free support and resources, visit alz.org/cleveland (Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain and Geauga Counties) or call the Cleveland Chapter at 216-342-5566. Residents of Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Tuscarawas and Wayne counties may contact the Greater East Ohio Chapter at alz.org/eastohio or 330-966-7343. The Association’s 24/7 Helpline can be reached at 800-272-3900.
