Alzheimer’s News

Alzheimer’s News

The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s is growing — and growing fast. More than 6 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer’s.
An estimated 6.2 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2021. Seventy-two percent are age 75 or older.
• One in 9 people age 65 and older (11.3%) has Alzheimer’s dementia.
• Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s are women.
• Older Black Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias as older Whites.
• Older Hispanics are about one and one-half times as likely to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias as older Whites.

As the number of older Americans grows rapidly, so too will the number of new and existing cases of Alzheimer’s. By 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s dementia may grow to a projected 12.7 million, barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent, slow or cure Alzheimer’s disease.

Despite decades of research and calls to action to ensure that health care is accessible and equal for all regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, geography and socioeconomic status, that aim is still far from reality for too many Americans.

• Discrimination is a barrier to Alzheimer’s and dementia care.
• Half or more dementia caregivers of color say they have faced discrimination when navigating health care settings for their care recipient.
• Black Americans and Hispanic Americans are more likely to have Alzheimer’s and other dementias, but are less likely to be diagnosed than White Americans.
• Hispanics, Blacks and Native Americans are twice as likely as Whites to say they would not see a doctor if experiencing thinking or memory problems.

You can learn more by going to www.alz.org/help-support/resources or the Alzheimer’s Helpline which is accessible 24/7 via 800-272-3900 and staffed by master’s level clinicians to assist with crisis situations, decision making, and disease information. You can find virtual dementia caregiver resources online at alz.org/covid19help. Tools and support are also available in Spanish.
Want to learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association and what they do here in St. Louis? Visit alz.org and/or contact PUCC’s Faith Outreach Ambassador with the Alzheimer’s Association, Joyce Ruiz at joyceruiz7@gmail.com