The number of people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) in the U.S. over the age of 65 will double by 2060, according to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published Thursday.
Five million Americans were diagnosed with Alzheimer's and other dementia diseases in 2014, or about 1.6 percent of the population. That number is set to rise to 13.9 million people, or 3.3 percent of the population, in 2060. The increases are a result of people living longer.
Alzheimer's is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and, eventually a person's ability to perform even the simplest tasks, per the CDC.
"This study shows that as the U.S. population increases, the number of people affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias will rise, especially among minority populations," said CDC Director Robert R. Redfield. "Early diagnosis is key to helping people and their families cope with loss of memory, navigate the healthcare system, and plan for their care in the future."
The study shows African Americans have the highest prevalence of ADRD at 13.8 percent, followed by Hispanics (12.2 percent), non-Hispanic whites (10.3), American Indian and Alaskan Natives (9.1), and Asian and Pacific Islanders (8.4). Researchers estimate there will be 3.2 million Hispanics and 2.2 million African Americans with ADRD by 2060.
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