​Each September, people from all over the world unite to raise awareness and to advocate for support and research efforts. As we approach World Alzheimer’s Day, which takes place every September 21, we have more reasons than ever to continue the fight to end this disease. We now have traditionally approved treatments to slow Alzheimer’s in the early stages, but there is much more work to do. Nurses are uniquely positioned to spread Alzheimer’s awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding dementia to foster greater understanding and empathy. That work begins by sharing the facts. 

As the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease tops more than 7 million for the first time, nearly 4 in 5 Americans would want to know if they had Alzheimer’s disease before it impacted their lives. They also want treatment, even if it comes with risks, as long as it slows the progression of the disease. These are among the insights uncovered in the 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures Report released by the Alzheimer’s Association.

This annual report reveals the burden of Alzheimer’s and dementia on individuals, caregivers, government and the nation’s health care system. The report shows that the prevalence and cost of Alzheimer’s disease are rising. 

Among the findings:

• For the first time, there are now more than 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s — an estimated 7.2 million. In New York State, 12.7% of adults over 65 are living with Alzheimer’s.
• The national cost of caring for these individuals is projected to reach $384 billion in 2025 — $24 billion higher than a year ago. 
• Across the country, there are nearly 12 million families and other caregivers of people living with dementia, providing an estimated 19.2 billion hours of unpaid help. The number of New York State residents serving as unpaid family caregivers increased from last year to 656,000.  

“This year’s report finds that the impact of Alzheimer’s on New York State residents and families is significant,” said Erica Salamida, Director of Community Outreach for the New York State Coalition of Alzheimer’s Association Chapters. “Now more than ever, we need to work to advance disease research and treatments that can slow the current trajectory and help all New York families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia.”

An accompanying special report highlights findings from a nationwide survey of more than 1,700 U.S. adults aged 45 and older, examining their awareness and attitudes about early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, tests used to help diagnose Alzheimer’s and treatments that can slow progression of the disease. It finds:

Americans want to know early if they have Alzheimer’s disease and want access to testing. 

• Nearly 4 in 5 Americans (79%) would want to know if they had Alzheimer’s disease before having symptoms or before symptoms interfere with daily activities.
• More than 9 in 10 Americans said they would want to take a simple test — such as a blood biomarker test — if it were available.

If diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, most Americans would want medication to slow its progression and would highly value information about the disease and treatment.

• More than 9 in 10 Americans (92%) would probably or definitely want to take a medication that could slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
• Nearly three in five Americans (58%) said they would accept a moderate or high level of risk with taking an anti-amyloid medication to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Nearly 1 in 4 Americans (22%) are willing to accept high risk.

Americans are optimistic that the next decade will bring new treatments to slow, prevent and even cure Alzheimer’s disease.

• Four in 5 Americans (81%) believe new treatments to stop the progression of Alzheimer’s will emerge in the next decade, and 66% believe new treatments to prevent Alzheimer’s will be available soon.

“The survey underscores the need for advancing new treatments and making early diagnosis easier and more accessible to anyone concerned about their memory and thinking,” said Salamida. “We’re encouraged that the survey finds people want to be proactive in addressing cognitive concerns. That’s a real positive because early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s offers the best opportunity for care, management and treatment of the disease.”