Raleigh, N.C. — For the first time, the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease has exceeded 7 million, according to the 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report released today by the Alzheimer’s Association. With the disease continuing to rise in prevalence, a strong majority of Americans say they want to know their status early and are willing to take treatment—even if it comes with risks—to slow the disease’s progression.

The comprehensive annual report provides a detailed look at national and state-level data on Alzheimer’s prevalence, mortality, care costs, caregiver burden, and workforce needs. In North Carolina, the statistics paint a sobering picture.

Alzheimer’s in North Carolina: A Growing Public Health Challenge

• 210,500 North Carolinians aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s—11.6% of the state’s senior population.
  
• The disease claimed 4,272 lives statewide, with a mortality rate of 39.9 per 100,000 people.
  
• 381,000 North Carolinians serve as unpaid caregivers, providing 739 million hours of care valued at $13 billion.
  

“This year’s report finds that the impact of Alzheimer’s on individuals and families continues to be significant,” said Christine John-Fuller, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association – Eastern North Carolina Chapter. “Now more than ever, we need to work to advance disease research and treatments that can slow the current trajectory and help all North Carolina families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia.”

Alarming National Trends and Soaring Costs

Nationally, Alzheimer’s continues to escalate:

• 7.2 million Americans aged 65+ are living with Alzheimer’s, up more than 4% from last year.
  
• An estimated 200,000 individuals under 65 are affected by younger-onset Alzheimer’s.
  
• Annual care costs (excluding unpaid caregiving) are projected to reach $384 billion in 2025.
  
• 12 million family caregivers are providing 19.2 billion hours of unpaid care, valued at $413 billion.
  
• Alzheimer’s-related deaths more than doubled between 2000 and 2022.
  

Americans Demand Early Detection and Access to Treatment

A special report accompanying the study, American Perspectives on Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease in the Era of Treatment, surveyed over 1,700 adults aged 45 and older and found a strong public appetite for early detection:

• 79% of respondents want to know if they have Alzheimer’s before symptoms interfere with daily life.
  
• Over 90% would take a simple test, like a blood-based biomarker test, if it were available.
  
• The main reason? To access treatment and prepare early.
  

The report also found that 92% of Americans would take a medication that slows the disease’s progression, even with some risk. In fact, nearly 1 in 4 (22%) said they would accept a high level of risk.

Concerns remain, however. Many worry about insurance coverage, test accuracy, and cost. Others fear losing autonomy, such as driving privileges.

Despite these concerns, optimism is high. 81% believe new treatments to halt Alzheimer’s progression are on the horizon within the next decade, and 66% expect preventive therapies to emerge.

Early Diagnosis Is Key

John-Fuller emphasized the value of early detection: “The survey underscores the need for advancing new treatments and making early diagnosis easier and more accessible. Early diagnosis offers the best opportunity for care, management, and treatment of the disease.”

The full 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report and the accompanying special report can be accessed at alz.org/facts.

About the Alzheimer’s Association – Eastern North Carolina Chapter:
Serving 51 counties, the Eastern North Carolina Chapter offers support groups, educational programs, a 24/7 helpline, and care consultations. Visit alz.org/nc or call 800-272-3900 for more information.