What's the Big Deal?

Defining the Issue

Alzheimer's disease is a irreversible, progressive brain disease that gradually destroys memory and thinking abilities, as well as the ability to perform even the most basic tasks (National Institute of Aging, 2017). Symptoms usually appear in one's mid-to-late 60s.

"Currently, there are an estimated 5.5 million people of all ages who have Alzheimer's disease. About two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's disease are women," (Naqvi, 2017). According to the article from Aging and Social Change Research Network (2021), by 2050, about 30 percent of the population will be over the age of 60. This many people will surely spike Alzheimer's Disease cases.

A rising number of Alzheimer's disease cases impact families, the economy, and places of work.

Statistics

Alzheimer's disease is one of the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States. (CDC, 2020)
The 6th leading cause of death among US adults. (CDC, 2020)
The 5th leading cause of death among adults aged 65 years or older. (CDC, 2020)
In 2020, an estimated 5.8 million Americans aged 65 years or older had Alzheimer's disease. This number is projected to nearly triple to 14 million people by 2060.(CDC, 2020)
Death rates for Alzheimer's disease are increasing, unlike heart disease and cancer death rates that are on the decline. (CDC, 2020)

Why is This an Issue?

The biggest burden for Alzheimer's Disease is the economic burden, which can be categorized into four issues.

Cost of nursing homes: Medicare will pay for only short stays in a nursing home so some of the long-term patients will eventually pay out of pocket. According to Nursing Home Costs in Iowa, the costs monthly for a semi-private and private nursing home are $6,570 and $7,148, respectively (Witt & Hoyt, 2021).
Cost of treatment: According to the CDC, "In 2010, the costs of treating Alzheimer's disease were projected to fall between $159 and $215 billion. By 2040, these costs are projected to jump to between $379 and more than $500 billion annually," (CDC, 2020)
Retirement: With 30% of the population being elderly that means a lot of people are going to start retiring. This will result in significant financial and political consequences. (Common Ground Research Network, 2021)
Increased need for health care professionals: By 2050 the US population ages sixty-five and older is projected to reach 89 million; which is more than two-fold the 40.5 million elderly people in 2010 (Dall et al., 2013).

With more elderly starting to retire and take over the population, this leaves a higher demand for health care professionals to take their spots.