COLUMBUS, Ohio — More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and nearly 4 in 5 would want to know if they have it, according to the 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures Report released by the Alzheimer’s Association on April 29, 2025. The report highlights a strong public desire for early diagnosis and treatment, even with potential risks, to slow the disease’s progression.
In Ohio, the report reveals 236,200 residents aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s, representing 11.3% of that age group. The state recorded 4,953 Alzheimer’s-related deaths, with 452,000 unpaid family caregivers providing 679 million hours of care, valued at $13.3 billion. Medicaid costs for Alzheimer’s care in Ohio are projected to reach $3.2 billion in 2025.
“This year’s report finds that the impact of Alzheimer’s on Ohio residents and families is significant,” said Vince McGrail, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Central Ohio and Northwest Ohio chapters. “Now more than ever, we need to work to advance disease research and treatments that can slow the current trajectory and help all Ohio families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia.”
Nationally, the report estimates 7.2 million people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s, with total care costs (excluding unpaid care) projected at $384 billion in 2025. Nearly 12 million family members and friends provide 19.2 billion hours of unpaid care, valued at $413 billion. Alzheimer’s-related deaths more than doubled between 2000 and 2022.
A special report, American Perspectives on Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease in the Era of Treatment, based on a survey of over 1,700 U.S. adults aged 45 and older, shows strong public support for early detection. Nearly 79% want to know if they have Alzheimer’s before symptoms disrupt daily life, and over 90% would seek a simple test, such as a blood-based biomarker, primarily for earlier treatment and care. Additionally, 92% would likely take medication to slow disease progression, with 58% accepting moderate to high risks for anti-amyloid drugs.
Concerns include insurance coverage (44%), test accuracy, costs, and potential lifestyle restrictions, such as losing driving privileges. Optimism remains high, with 81% of Americans believing new treatments to stop Alzheimer’s progression will emerge within a decade, and 66% anticipating preventive treatments.
“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,” McGrail said. “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.”
The full report is available at alz.org/facts