Rate Of Alzheimer's Cases In The US Has Doubled Since 2000

The rate of Alzheimer's disease deaths in the U.S. has doubled since 2000, rising from 17.6 to 34 per 100,000 people, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. This increase may be attributed to an aging population and improved diagnosis. In 2020, many death certificates listed both Covid-19 and Alzheimer's as causes, particularly among those aged 85 and older. The pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in nursing homes, where residents with Alzheimer's were significantly affected. Additionally, underdiagnosis of dementia, especially in Black and Hispanic older adults, poses challenges for treatment and care planning.