DES MOINES, IOWA (May 1, 2025) — 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 disease before it impacted their lives. 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.
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 US 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 four in five Americans (79%) would want to know if they had Alzheimer’s disease before having symptoms or before symptoms interfere with daily activities.
· More than nine in ten Americans would definitely or probably want a simple test (eg 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 nine in ten 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 three in five 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 disease. Nearly one in four 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 five 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 soon.
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, including over 62,000 in Iowa.
· 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 twelve million family members and friends provide 19.2 billion hours of unpaid care, valued at an additional $413 billion. In Iowa, 80,000 caregivers provide 118 hours of unpaid care valued at $2.7 billion.
· Deaths due to Alzheimer’s disease more than doubled between 2000 and 2022.
Full text of the 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, including the accompanying special report, American Perspectives on Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease in the Era of Treatment, can be viewed at alz.org/facts.
About 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures
The Alzheimer’s Association 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report is a comprehensive compilation of national statistics and information on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The report conveys the impact of Alzheimer’s on individuals, families, government, and the nation’s health-care system. Since its 2007 inaugural release, the report has become the preeminent source covering the broad spectrum of Alzheimer’s issues. The Facts and Figures report is an official publication of the Alzheimer’s Association. The report is published annually in Alzheimer’s and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
