May 2010
Changing the Trajectory of
Alzheimer’s Disease: A National Imperative

This report examines the current projections and costs associated with the Alzheimer's crisis, as well as what Medicare and Medicaid savings are possible if disease modifying treatments were available.

Alzheimer's disease to cost United States $20 trillion dollars over next 40 years.

From 2010 to 2050, the total costs of care for Americans age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease will increase five-fold, from $172 billion to $1.08 trillion per year. These dollar amounts represent the direct costs of care to all payers, including Medicare, Medicaid, and out-of-pocket costs to people with the conditions and their families, and costs to other payers (such as private insurance, HMOs and other managed care organizations, and uncompensated care).