Staggering New Statistics Spotlight Ongoing Alzheimer’s Crisis in NJ

The Alzheimer’s Association 2022 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report illustrates the continued rise and burden of Alzheimer’s in our country, and in New Jersey.

An estimated 6.5 million Americans age 65 and older have Alzheimer’s dementia, including 190,000 in New Jersey–a number expected to increase to 210,000 by 2025. In New Jersey alone, 361,000 unpaid caregivers, many friends and family members, provided more than 686,000,000 hours of unpaid care, valued at more than $13B. For the sixth consecutive year, the cost of caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s is surpassing a quarter of a trillion dollars, nationally.

The report also shines a light on the alarming lack of familiarity of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and MCI due to Alzheimer’s disease – both in the general public and medical community. Many Americans wrongfully confuse MCI with normal aging. MCI can be a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease affecting 12% to 18% of individuals age 60 and older. 77% of primary care physicians report MCI due to Alzheimer’s being difficult to diagnose, with 51% who do not feel comfortable diagnosing the disease.

The report underscores the urgency for our country to further its investment in Alzheimer’s research that will advance treatments that can alter these trends.

We must also continue advancing public policies, expanding support programs in our communities, and bolstering the public understanding and awareness of MCI and Alzheimer’s to help people living with the disease and their caregivers.