Alzheimer Disease in 2025: American Perspectives

It is estimated that 7.2 million US adults aged 65 and older have Alzheimer disease (AD), marking the first recorded total topping 7 million. Among a representative sample of Americans older than age 45 years, a survey conducted for the Alzheimer's Association's 2025 Facts and Figures report found that the specter of the disease is frightening enough that the majority (80%) of those adults say they would ask their physician to be tested for AD rather than waiting for the clinician to suggest it.

Approximately the same proportion would want to know if they had the dementia before the appearance of symptoms or before the symptoms began to interfere with their daily activities. An even greater proportion (92%) would probably or definitely want to take a medication that could slow the progression of AD after diagnosis.

The primary reason for wanting availability of a simple test to detect AD was to feel prepared, according to the report. Preparedness included allowing for earlier treatment and care (83%), planning with their family for the future (76%), and encouragement to adopt behaviors that could help preserve cognitive function.

The report emphasizes the role of the primary care professional as central to the dementia care workforce based on long-standing relationships that may afford sensitivity to subtle changes in function and behavior as well as the clinical manifestations of cognitive decline. While the area of testing for and early detection of AD in primary care is replete with roadblocks and barriers, the issues will need assessment given that 12.7 million individuals aged 65 and older are projected to have AD in 2050.

Source: Special report: American perspectives on early detection of Alzheimer's disease in the era of treatment. The Alzheimer's Association. April 2025. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures