The Healthy Brain Initiative improves understanding of brain health as a central part of public health practice. The initiative creates and supports partnerships, collects and reports data, increases awareness of brain health, supports populations with a high burden of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and promotes the use of its Road Map series: State and Local Public Health Partnerships to Address Dementia: The 2018–2023 Road Map, and the Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map for Indian Country. The Road Map series provides actionable steps to promote brain health, address cognitive impairment, and address the needs of caregivers. In addition, the Healthy Brain Initiative supports the development of future Road Maps.

CDC is working with funded partners to accomplish the Road Map’s recommended actions. For example, the Alzheimer’s Association helps develop and track Road Map action items, and helps state public health agencies use them. Given that one out of every three American Indian and Alaskan Native elders develops dementia, the Association for State Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) developed a series of health communication materials to improve quality, availability, and accessibility of public health resources to address the connection between brain health and heart health, Healthy Heart, Healthy Brain.

To learn more, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/aging/nationalinitiatives/national-healthy-nhbi.html.

Mental health is important at every stage of life and it includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being.  As people age, they may experience certain life changes that impact their mental health, such as coping with a serious illness or losing a loved one. Although many people will adjust to these life changes, some may experience feelings of grief, social isolation, or loneliness. When these feelings persist, they can lead to mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety.  Effective treatment options are available to help older adults and people at every stage of life to manage their mental health and improve their quality of life. Recognizing the signs and seeing a health care provider are the first steps to getting treatment.

Depression and Aging

Depression is not a normal part of growing older

Depression is a true and treatable medical condition, not a normal part of aging. However older adults are at an increased risk for experiencing depression. If you are concerned about a loved one, offer to go with him or her to see a health care provider to be diagnosed and treated.

Depression is not just having “the blues” or the emotions we feel when grieving the loss of a loved one. It is a true medical condition that is treatable, like diabetes or hypertension.

How do I know if it’s Depression?

Someone who is depressed has feelings of sadness or anxiety that last for weeks at a time. He or she may also experience–

• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
• Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• Overeating or appetite loss
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not get better, even with treatment

How is Depression Different for Older Adults?

• Older adults are at increased risk. We know that about 80% of older adults have at least one chronic health condition, and 50% have two or more. Depression is more common in people who also have other illnesses (such as heart disease or cancer) or whose function becomes limited.
• Older adults are often misdiagnosed and undertreated. Healthcare providers may mistake an older adult’s symptoms of depression as just a natural reaction to illness or the life changes that may occur as we age, and therefore not see the depression as something to be treated. Older adults themselves often share this belief and do not seek help because they don’t understand that they could feel better with appropriate treatment.

How do I Find Help?

Most older adults see an improvement in their symptoms when treated with antidepression drugs, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. If you are concerned about a loved one being depressed, offer to go with him or her to see a health care provider to be diagnosed and treated.

If you or someone you care about is in crisis, please seek help immediately.

To learn more, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/aging/olderadultsandhealthyaging/mental-health-and-aging.html.

The conditions in places where people are born, live, learn, work, and play are known as social determinants of health (SDOH). These conditions can have a profound effect on a person’s health, including their risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Differences in SDOH contribute to the stark and persistent chronic disease disparities in the United States among racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups by systematically limiting opportunities for members of some groups to be healthy. While public health crises and economic uncertainty may focus attention on disparities, health inequities have persisted across generations because policies and practices have systematically limited access to health care and other opportunities.

A growing body of work exists around social and economic factors that may contribute to a person’s health status, including a person’s risk for dementia. Although more work needs to be done to determine the exact relationship between these factors and dementia, here are a few areas that could be considered:

Education

Studies show an association between a higher level of education and better brain health. For example, among adults aged 45 years or older, the proportion experiencing subjective cognitive decline was lowest for college graduates and nearly three times greater for those without a high school diploma. One theory being considered by researchers as to why education levels may affect the risk of developing dementia has to do with cognitive reserve. Cognitive reserve refers to the level of knowledge and education “banked” in early years that may protect and compensate for a decline in cognitive health in later years.

Access to Health Care

Access to health care affects many facets of a person’s physical and brain health. Consistent access to health care services gives people the opportunity for regular preventive health services and early diagnosis of many health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and dementia. Access can also help prevent hospitalizations through the successful management of chronic health conditions. People with dementia often have one or more other chronic health conditions, and care coordination with providers and family care partners is essential to better care and improves health outcomes.

Built Environment

The built environment is the physical environment around us. It includes the spaces where we live, learn, work, and play—our homes, schools, businesses, streets and sidewalks, open spaces, and the options people have for transportation. Built environments can influence overall community health and individual behaviors, such as physical activity and healthy eating. Built environments can affect health both positively and negatively. Healthy community design can improve opportunities for exercise, access to services, and community supports—all of which have a positive impact on brain and physical health.

Loneliness and Social Isolation

A number of studies indicate that maintaining strong social connections and keeping mentally active as we age may lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Experts are not certain about the reason for this association, but it may be due to a strengthening of connections between nerve cells in the brain.

Although it’s hard to precisely measure social isolation and loneliness, there is strong evidence that many adults aged 50 and older are socially isolated or lonely in ways that put their health at risk. Recent studies found that:

• Social isolation significantly increased a person’s risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.¹
• Social isolation was associated with about a 50% percent increased risk of dementia.¹
• Poor social relationships were associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.¹
• Loneliness was associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.¹

¹National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2020. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System. Washington, DC: The National Academies

To learn more, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/aging/disparities/social-determinants-alzheimers.html.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of a group of brain diseases called dementias. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60% to 80% of dementia cases. Other forms of dementia include vascular dementia, mixed dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and frontotemporal dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease, like all dementias, gets worse over time and there is no known cure. Nearly 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease destroys brain cells causing problems with memory, thinking, and behavior that can be severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies, and social life. Eventually, it can affect one’s ability to carry out routine daily activities. Today, it is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. It is the fifth leading cause of death for those aged 65 years and older.

For more information, see www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figuresexternal icon.

What is known about caregiving for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia?

People with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are usually cared for by family members or friends. The majority (80%) of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are receiving care in their homes. Each year, more than 16 million Americans provide more than 17 billion hours of unpaid care for family and friends with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. In 2019, these caregivers will provide an estimated 18.5 billion hours of care. Approximately two-thirds of dementia caregivers are women, about one in three caregivers (34%) is age 65 or older, and approximately one-quarter of dementia caregivers are “sandwich generation” caregivers, meaning that they care not only for an aging parent, but also for children under age 18.

Caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias provide care for a longer duration than caregivers of people with other types of conditions (79% versus 66%). Well over half (57%) of family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias provide care for four years or more. More than six in ten (63%) Alzheimer’s caregivers expect to continue having care responsibilities for the next 5 years compared with less than half of caregivers of people without dementia (49%).

The demands of caregiving can limit a caregiver’s ability to take care of themselves. Family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias are at greater risk for anxiety, depression, and poorer quality of life than caregivers of people with other conditions.

To learn more, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/aging/caregiving/alzheimer.htm.

People aged 65 or older are more prone to heat-related health concerns. Older adults can’t adjust to sudden temperature changes as fast as younger people. This may happen because of certain medicines they take or chronic illnesses that affect their ability to regulate body temperature. When not treated properly, heat-related illnesses can lead to death. But you can take steps to stay cool during hot weather.

Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness

If your body becomes overheated, you can be in danger of heat-related illness. These illnesses can includeexternal icon :

• Heat syncope, or sudden dizziness.
• Heat cramps.
• Heat edema, or swelling in your legs and ankles.
• Heat exhaustion—when your body can no longer stay cool. This often appears as feeling thirsty, dizzy, weak, uncoordinated, or nauseated. You may sweat a lot and have cold and clammy skin or a rapid pulse.
• Heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. Signs can include fainting, behavior changes, high body temperature (over 104° F), dry skin, a strong and rapid pulse, a slow and weak pulse, and no longer sweating even though it’s hot.

How to Stay Cool If You Are an Older Adult

• Drink water regularly. Do NOT wait until you’re thirsty to start drinking water.
• Avoid using your oven or stove to prepare meals.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes.
• Take showers to cool down.
• Maintain the heating and air conditioning system in your home, so your home cools properly.
• If you don’t have air conditioning, consider staying with a friend or family member during a heatwave. It may be enough to take an “air conditioning break” at a local mall or library during the heat of the day.
• Don’t overwork yourself, and make sure you rest.
• Have others check up on you, and vice versa.
• Wear sunscreen and clothing to protect yourself from sunburns, which make it hard for your body to cool down.
• When outside in the heat, wear a hat, try to stay in the shade, and move slowly so you won’t become overheated.

Seek medical care immediately if you have symptoms of heat-related illness like muscle cramps, dizziness, headaches, nausea, weakness, or vomiting.

How to help an Older Adult Avoid Heat-Related Illness

As a friend, family member, or caregiver, you can help an older adult avoid heat-related illness during the warmer months. Some things you can do are:

• Know what medicines they are taking and find out if they affect body temperature.
• Call or connect regularly and ask if they are cool enough. Listen for patterns or shared concerns. Consider having a remote body or home temperature sensor or monitor installed.
• If you don’t live nearby, have the contact information for someone who does and who can regularly check in on them.
• Complete a care plan together to provide structure and direction. The care plan should include ways to stay cool during extreme heat and should note if any medicines the person takes may affect body temperature regulation.
• If you are the one checking in on older adult, make sure they
  • Stay hydrated
  • Have the living space set to a comfortable temperature
  • Know how to stay cool during extreme heat
  • Don’t show signs of heat stress
• Seek medical care immediately if the person has symptoms of heat-related illness like muscle cramps, dizziness, headaches, nausea, weakness, or vomiting.

How to Help Someone with Dementia Avoid Heat-Related Illness

About 25% of people with dementia live alone, and they may not always have awareness about their surroundings. Learn how to make a home safety checklistexternal icon for someone with Alzheimer’s or related dementias. During the warmer months:

• If the person is using a portable fan, make sure that objects can’t be placed in the blades. Place fans near electrical outlets to avoid using an extension cord. If an extension cord must be used, attach it to the baseboards to reduce the risk of tripping.
• Install alarms that alert you if a door or window is opened. This can reduce the risk of wandering in hot weather and keep cool air inside the home.
• Fence off swimming pools with a locked gate, cover if possible, and closely monitor the person when they are in the pool.
• Hide an extra key outside the home in case the person with dementia locks the door and a caregiver or emergency responder needs to get inside.
• Keep a list of all medicines the person takes and ask the doctor if any of them increase the risk of becoming overheated.

To learn more, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/aging/emergency-preparedness/older-adults-extreme-heat/index.html.

Happy National Healthcare Recruiter Recognition Day to our AMAZING Talent Acquisition team! These individuals go above and beyond for our communities every single day. Learn more about the team:

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People of color face discrimination when seeking healthcare for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Findings from two national surveys conducted by the Alzheimer’s Association show that Black Americans reported the highest level of discrimination in dementia health care followed by Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic Americans.

A Special Report on Race, Ethnicity and Alzheimer’s in America pdf icon[PDF–787 KB]external icon from the Alzheimer’s Association shows these populations reported higher rates of discrimination when seeking health care than non-Hispanic White Americans:

• 50% of Black Americans.
• 42% of Native Americans.
• 34% of Asian Americans.
• 33% of Hispanic Americans.

Non-Hispanic White Americans reported discrimination at a much lower rate of 9%.

With the projected increases in Alzheimer’s disease among minority populations, it is more important to address these care inequities.

Elements of Cultural Competence

• A culturally diverse staff that reflects the population served.
• Ability to overcome language barriers, either with bilingual staff or interpreters.
• Training for providers on the cultures and languages represented in the population.
• Patient materials and practice signage that are translated and sensitive to cultural norms.

Hispanics and African Americans, for example, will see the largest increases in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in the future. By 2060, the number of Alzheimer’s disease cases is predicted to rise to an estimated 14 million people, with minority populations being affected the most.¹

• Cases among Hispanics will increase seven times over today’s estimates.
• Cases among African Americans will increase four times over today’s estimates.

What Is a Health Disparity?

A health disparity is when a group of people experience a higher rate of illness, injury, disability, or death than another group.

Health disparities can have a profound, negative effect on entire populations or individual communities. Dementia care and support services can vary widely depending on race, ethnicity, geography, and social and economic factors. Stigma, cultural differences, awareness, and understanding about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias can all be factors leading to health disparities. In addition, the ability for a person to get a diagnosis, manage the disease, and be able to access quality health care contribute to health disparities.

These disparities reach beyond clinical care to include uneven representation of Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native Americans in Alzheimer’s research in clinical trials.

Alzheimer’s Caregivers Also Face Discrimination

The surveys show that among non-White caregivers, half or more say they have also faced discrimination when navigating health care settings for their care recipient. Their top concern being that providers or staff do not listen to what they are saying because of their race, color, or ethnicity. This concern was especially high among Black caregivers (42%), followed by Native American (31%), Asian American (30%), and Hispanic (28%) caregivers. Fewer than 1 in 5 White caregivers (17%) expressed this view.

Health Disparity vs. Health Care Disparity

Health disparity: a higher burden of illness, injury, disability, or mortality experienced by one group relative to another.

Health care disparity: differences between groups in health insurance coverage, access to and use of care, and quality of care.

Both: differences that are not explained by variations in health needs, patient preferences or treatment recommendations and are closely linked with social, economic and/or environmental disadvantage.

Lack of Diversity Among Health Care Staff Creates Barriers

Understanding how different racial and ethnic groups view, access, and experience health care is critical to improving the health care system and helping health providers care for an increasingly diverse population. It is projected that people of color will account for over half (52%) of the population in 2050.

Characteristics of health care systems that contribute to disparities should be acknowledged. These include implicit bias on the part of health care providers. Cultural and language barriers can also hinder patient-provider relationships.

Minority Populations Desire Health Care Providers Who Understand Their Ethnic or Racial Background

Given their own experiences with discrimination, it is not surprising that non-White racial/ethnic populations feel it is important for Alzheimer’s and dementia care providers to be more culturally competent. Responses from surveys indicate a strong desire for dementia health care providers who understand different racial and ethnic backgrounds, but many survey respondents say access to these providers is lacking.

As shown in the graphic from the Alzheimer’s Association Special Report, 92% of Native Americans say they want dementia health care providers who understand their ethnic background, yet only 47% have confidence they currently have access to them. Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans felt similar.

Graphic used with permission from the Alzheimer’s Association, 2021 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, Special Report: Race, Ethnicity and Alzheimer’s in America pdf icon[PDF–787 KB]external icon. Accessed March 31, 2021.

A Path Forward—Bridging Racial and Ethnic Barriers in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care

Findings from the Alzheimer’s Association surveys indicate that, despite ongoing efforts to address health and health care disparities in Alzheimer’s and dementia care, there is still much work to do.

Based on the surveys’ findings, paths forward should address three areas:

1. Preparing the workforce to care for a racially and ethnically diverse older adult population.
   1. This includes cultural competence education, and training providers to recognize and overcome implicit bias. (See sidebar: Elements of Cultural Competence)
2. Increasing diversity among providers for dementia care.
   1. Currently, only 1 in 3 US physicians are Black, American Indian or Alaska Native, Hispanic, or Asian. Primary care is more diverse with approximately 40% of physicians coming from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Ensuring diversity in these frontline providers may help reduce future disparities in dementia care. Developing a workforce that reflects the demographics of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias should begin during outreach and recruitment to training programs, continue with programming designed to support racially and ethnically diverse students during their training years, and extend to offering residency opportunities in health care settings that treat diverse populations. In addition, hiring practices should consider diversity and inclusion to meet the needs of local patient populations.
3. Engaging, recruiting, and retaining diverse populations in Alzheimer’s research and clinical trials.
   1. A critical first step to increase diverse participation and representation in clinical research is building and restoring trust in underrepresented communities. One way to do so is through community-based organizations and other respected local partners. The Healthy Brain Initiative State and Local Public Health Partnerships to Address Dementia: 2018–2023 Road Map, launched in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is organized around a core principle of “eliminating disparities and collaborating across multiple sectors.”

To learn more, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/barriers-to-equity-in-alzheimers-dementia-care/index.html.

Boyd Nursing and Rehabilitation would like to shine a light on one of our long-term residents, Ms. Wilma Cordell!

Wilma made Boyd Nursing her home in November of 2022. She is active and involved throughout the community, from participating in scheduled activities and events to the resident council, visiting and socializing with other residents, and assisting Care Team members during team projects like beautifying our courtyard. Wilma says that she enjoys gardening and always has several flowers at home to attend to. Wilma enjoys daily walks through the courtyard, seeing the garden, and observing the small terrapins that make their way out to greet her daily. We would like to congratulate Wilma on all the hard work she has put in while here, and that we are so happy to have her as part of the Boyd family!

Developing and maintaining a care plan will help you balance both your life and that of the person to whom you are providing care!

Are you a caregiver for an older adult with dementia or another chronic health condition? If so, do they have a care plan? Having a care plan can help you as a caregiver, especially if there are multiple caregivers, to aid with transitions and to have all important information in one place.

What is a care plan?

A care plan is a form [1.48 MB] where you can summarize a person’s health conditions, specific care needs, and current treatments. The care plan should outline what needs to be done to manage the care needs. It can help organize and prioritize caregiving activities. A care plan can give you a sense of control and confidence when managing caregiving tasks and help assure you that the care recipient’s needs are being met.

Care plans can especially be helpful if you care for more than one person.  Forty-two million Americans are caring for someone aged 50 or older; 24% are providing care for at least two people.

What should I include in the care plan?

The plan should include information about:

• Personal Information (name, date of birth, contact information)
• Health conditions
• Medicines, dosages, and when/how given
• Health care providers with contact information
• Health insurance information
• Emergency Contacts

How do I develop a care plan?

• Begin a care planning conversation with the person you care for. Use Complete Care Plan [PDF – 1 MB] to help start and guide the discussions.
• If the care recipient is unable to provide all the information needed, talk to others who regularly interact with them (a family member or home nurse aide) and invite them to join the discussions and help complete the form.
• Ask about suitable care options for the person you care for. Medicare covers appointments to manage chronic conditions and discuss advanced care plans, including planning appointments for people with Alzheimer’s, other dementias, memory problems, or suspected cognitive impairment.
• Try to update the care plan every year, or more often if the person you care for has a change in health or medicines. Remember to respect the care recipient’s privacy after reviewing their personal information and discussing their health conditions.

What are the benefits of a care plan?

• Care plans can reduce emergency room visits and hospitalizations and improve overall medical management for people with a chronic health condition, like Alzheimer’s disease.
• Care plans can support you, the caregiver, so you can stay healthy.
• Care plans can help retain quality of life and independence for the care recipient.

What about my own health?

If you’re a caregiver, taking care of yourself is crucial. Make sure to discuss any concerns you have as a caregiver with your health care provider. Caregivers can experience emotional, psychological, and physical strain. In addition, caregivers often neglect their own health. This neglect can increase their risk of having multiple chronic conditions. Nearly 2 in 5 caregivers have at least two chronic health conditions. Caregivers of people with dementia or Alzheimer’s are at greater risk for anxiety, depression, and lower quality of life than caregivers of people with other chronic conditions.

To learn more, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/caregivers-month.html.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

• Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia.
• It is a progressive disease beginning with mild memory loss and possibly leading to loss of the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to the environment.
• Alzheimer’s disease involves parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language.
• It can seriously affect a person’s ability to carry out daily activities.

Who has Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s Disease and Racial and Ethnic Disparities infographic

All Alzheimer-related infographics

• In 2020, as many as 5.8 million Americans were living with Alzheimer’s disease.¹
• Younger people may get Alzheimer’s disease, but it is less common.
• The number of people living with the disease doubles every 5 years beyond age 65.
• This number is projected to nearly triple to 14 million people by 2060.¹
• Symptoms of the disease can first appear after age 60, and the risk increases with age.

What is known about Alzheimer’s Disease?

Scientists do not yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease. There likely is not a single cause but rather several factors that can affect each person differently.

• Age is the best known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
• Family history—researchers believe that genetics may play a role in developing Alzheimer’s disease. However, genes do not equal destiny. A healthy lifestyle may help reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Two large, long term studies indicate that adequate physical activity, a nutritious diet, limited alcohol consumption, and not smoking may help people. To learn more about the study, you can listen to a short podcast.
• Changes in the brain can begin years before the first symptoms appear.
• Researchers are studying whether education, diet, and environment play a role in developing Alzheimer’s disease.
• There is growing scientific evidence that healthy behaviors, which have been shown to prevent cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, may also reduce risk for subjective cognitive decline. Here’s 8 ways.

What are the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging. Memory problems are typically one of the first warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

In addition to memory problems, someone with symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease may experience one or more of the following:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life, such as getting lost in a familiar place or repeating questions.
• Trouble handling money and paying bills.
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure.
• Decreased or poor judgment.
• Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them.
• Changes in mood, personality, or behavior.

Even if you or someone you know has several or even most of these signs, it doesn’t mean it’s Alzheimer’s disease. Know the 10 warning signs (also available in Spanish).

What to do if you suspect Alzheimer’s disease

Getting checked by your healthcare provider can help determine if the symptoms you are experiencing are related to Alzheimer’s disease, or a more treatable conditions such as a vitamin deficiency or a side effect from medication. Early and accurate diagnosis also provides opportunities for you and your family to consider financial planning, develop advance directives, enroll in clinical trials, and anticipate care needs.

How is Alzheimer’s disease treated?

Medical management can improve quality of life for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and for their caregivers. There is currently no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Treatment addresses several areas:

• Helping people maintain brain health.
• Managing behavioral symptoms.
• Slowing or delaying symptoms of the disease.

Support for family and friends

Currently, many people living with Alzheimer’s disease are cared for at home by family members. Caregiving can have positive aspects for the caregiver as well as the person being cared for. It may bring personal fulfillment to the caregiver, such as satisfaction from helping a family member or friend, and lead to the development of new skills and improved family relationships.

Although most people willingly provide care to their loved ones and friends, caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease at home can be a difficult task and may become overwhelming at times. Each day brings new challenges as the caregiver copes with changing levels of ability and new patterns of behavior. As the disease gets worse, people living with Alzheimer’s disease often need more intensive care.

You can find more information about caring for yourself and access a helpful care planning form.

What is the burden of Alzheimer’s disease in the United States?

• Alzheimer’s disease is one of the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States.²
• The 6th leading cause of death among US adults.
• The 5th leading cause of death among adults aged 65 years or older.³

In 2020, an estimated 5.8 million Americans aged 65 years or older had Alzheimer’s disease.¹ This number is projected to nearly triple to 14 million people by 2060.¹

In 2010, the costs of treating Alzheimer’s disease were projected to fall between $159 and $215 billion.⁴ By 2040, these costs are projected to jump to between $379 and more than $500 billion annually.⁴

Death rates for Alzheimer’s disease are increasing, unlike heart disease and cancer death rates that are on the decline.⁵ Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, has been shown to be under-reported in death certificates and therefore the proportion of older people who die from Alzheimer’s may be considerably higher.⁶

What is known about reducing your risk of Alzheimer’s Disease?

The science on risk reduction is quickly evolving, and major breakthroughs are within reach. For example, there is growing evidence that people who adopt healthy lifestyle habits — like regular exercise and blood pressure management — can lower their risk of dementia. There is growing scientific evidence that healthy behaviors, which have been shown to prevent cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, may also reduce risk for subjective cognitive decline. To learn more about the current state of evidence on dementia risk factors and the implications for public health, please read the following summaries on Cardiovascular Health, Exercise, Diabetes and Obesity, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Tobacco and Alcohol, Diet and Nutrition,  Sleep, Sensory Impairment, and Social Engagement or the Compiled Report (includes all reports in this list).

To learn more, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/aging/aginginfo/alzheimers.htm.