With Alzheimer’s disease now affecting more than 7 million Americans — a staggering milestone — the public’s call for early diagnosis and treatment has never been louder.
The 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures Report, released by the Alzheimer’s Association, paints a stark picture of the disease’s growing impact while revealing that most Americans are ready to take bold steps to slow its progression.
Nearly 4 in 5 Americans (79%) say they want to know if they have Alzheimer’s disease before symptoms disrupt their daily lives. More than 9 in 10 would undergo simple diagnostic tests, like blood-based biomarkers, if available. For many, the chance to slow the disease outweighs potential risks, with 58% willing to accept moderate to high risks associated with new treatments.
“Early diagnosis offers the best opportunity for care, management and treatment,” said Natalie Sutton, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter. “We’re encouraged that the survey finds people want to be proactive in addressing cognitive concerns.”
The report provides a detailed breakdown of Alzheimer’s prevalence, mortality, care workforce shortages and caregiving impacts across the country. In Indiana, 121,300 individuals aged 65 and older live with Alzheimer’s, and the demand for care is projected to skyrocket. By 2050, the state will require a 147.1% increase in geriatricians to manage this growing crisis.
The care burden also extends to family and friends. Last year, 219,000 family caregivers in Indiana provided 325 million hours of unpaid care, valued at nearly $6.9 billion. Nationwide, the cost of Alzheimer’s care is expected to reach $384 billion in 2025, a $24 billion increase from the previous year.
Workforce shortages compound the challenge, with researchers estimating that 861,000 additional direct care workers will be needed by 2032 — more than in any other occupation in the U.S.
The accompanying special report, American Perspectives on Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease in the Era of Treatment, surveyed over 1,700 adults aged 45 and older, uncovering a clear appetite for innovation.
If diagnosed, 92% of Americans said they would take medication to slow disease progression. Concerns about testing remain, with 44% worried about insurance coverage and others citing test accuracy and affordability as significant barriers.
Despite these concerns, optimism is high. Four in 5 Americans believe treatments to stop the disease’s progression will emerge within the next decade, and two-thirds expect preventative therapies to become available soon.
“Now more than ever, we need to continue to work toward research and treatment advancements that can slow the current trajectory, while simultaneously equipping our health care systems with the tools and guidelines to keep pace with rapidly evolving science,” Sutton said.
As the disease’s toll grows, so does the urgency for solutions. The Alzheimer’s Association encourages everyone to stay informed, advocate for research funding, and support initiatives to improve care and treatment.
The full report, including state-by-state data and survey findings, is available at alz.org/facts.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
