The health, social and economic costs of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) among older Americans are projected to double by 2060, according to new research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The number of Americans 65 and older with the disease is projected to grow from 5 million in 2014 to 13.9 million by 2060.
As a percentage of the population, that's more than double over four decades.
The study in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association attributes the increase to more people overcoming chronic diseases and surviving into older adulthood, when odds of developing ADRD increase.
Alzheimer's disease is most prevalent among racial and ethnic groups that are projected to grow the fastest during that period. As a result, the study projects minority populations will make up 45 percent of the Alzheimer's disease population in 2060, up from 22 percent in 2014.
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