Alzheimer’s Disease in Florida 

From the 2022 Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Report- ELDERAFFAIRS. ORG

Florida has the second highest prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in the country and the highest prevalence in the country, per capita. Currently, Florida is home to approximately 580,000 individuals over 65 with AD. Researchers estimate a 24.1 percent increase in the rate of Alzheimer’s Disease in Florida between 2020 – 2025, amounting to approximately 720,000 residents of the Sunshine State with this fatal disease. Since age is the most prominent risk factor for developing AD, Florida will likely continue to lead the nation, as 19 percent of its population is over 65.

Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the sixth-leading cause of death in Florida. Of the nation’s top 10 leading causes of death, Alzheimer’s disease remains the only one without prevention or cure. In 2050, the number of people in America age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease is projected to reach 12.7 million.

The economic impact of this disease is also devastating and overwhelming. Costs of health care and long-term care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are substantial, and dementia is one of the costliest conditions to society. In 2022, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias will cost the nation $321 billion, including $206 billion in Medicare and Medicaid payments combined. Unless a treatment to slow, stop,or prevent the disease is discovered, in 2050, Alzheimer’s is projected to cost more than $1.1 trillion. This dramatic rise includes more than three-fold increases in both government spending under Medicare and Medicaid and out-of-pocket spending. Groundbreaking research efforts are exploring early diagnostics and treatments that could slow the progression of the disease.