Why the Number of Americans With Alzheimer's Could More Than Double by 2050

A report from the Alzheimer's Association forecasts the number of Americans with Alzheimer's will more than double by 2050, increasing to 13.8 million persons 65 or older from 5.8 million now, barring breakthroughs in treatment, according to PBS NewsHour . The Association's Keith Fargo says age remains the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's, followed by family history; as the baby boomer generation ages, the number of cases also are likely to rise. Meanwhile, the combined cost of healthcare, long-term care, and hospice for all people with Alzheimer's and other dementias could amount to $290 billion this year alone — an increase from $277 billion last year. Half of all the money paid for Alzheimer's and dementia care comes from Medicare, while another 22 percent is paid out-of-pocket by beneficiaries. Medicaid covers an additional 17 percent. Not included in those numbers is the cost, in lost wages, of informal caregiving. That adds up to 18.5 billion hours and is worth about $234 billion. Last year, 66 percent of these caregivers were women. Although 94 percent of primary care doctors and 82 percent of Americans 65 or older say they think cognitive assessments to detect dementia symptoms are a good thing, only 16 percent of polled Medicare beneficiaries receive these routine health check-ups annually.