Number of Americans With Dementia to Double by 2040

A study presented at the 2019 Milken Institute Future of Health Summit predicted almost twice as many Americans who currently have dementia will suffer from the condition by 2040 and number almost 13 million, reports WebMD . The number of women with dementia is forecast to soar from 4.7 million next year to 8.5 million in 2040, while the male population is expected to expand to 4.5 million from 2.6 million. The cost of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia is projected to exceed $2 trillion by 2040, with women assuming more than 80 percent of that expense. "Along with longer life spans comes one of our greatest challenges," said the Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging's Nora Super. "Our risk of developing dementia doubles every five years after we turn 65; by age 85, nearly one in three of us will have the disease." Super cited cutting the cost and risk of dementia as a high priority in the absence of a cure. The study also recommended additional research; programs for maintaining and improving brain health; greater access to testing and early diagnosis; and services and policies that encourage supportive communities and workplaces for persons with dementia and their carers.