We prevent cognitive decline and chronic diseases

The increase in the number of older adults in the United States is unprecedented. Over 15 million US adults are 65 or older, representing more than 15% of the population. That number is expected to reach over 71 million by 2030 and 98 million by 2060—when older adults will make up nearly 25% of the population.

Age brings a higher risk of chronic diseases such as dementia, heart disease, and cancer. These are the nation’s leading drivers of illness, disability, deaths, and health care costs. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are most common in adults 60 and older, and the risk increases with age. In 2019, health care and long-term care costs associated with Alzheimer’s and other dementias were $290 billion, making them the most expensive and most debilitating disease to treat.

Early detection of cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s and other dementias, provides an opportunity to manage other chronic health conditions and plan for the future.