Dementias

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and the sixth leading cause of death in U.S. adults.¹ Nearly 6 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s, and that number will increase as the population ages.¹ Healthy People 2030 focuses on improving care and quality of life for people with Alzheimer’s and other causes of dementia.

Dementia refers to a group of symptoms that cause problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. People with dementia are more likely to be hospitalized, and dementia is linked to high health care costs.

While there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, early diagnosis and supportive care can improve quality of life. And efforts to make sure adults with symptoms of cognitive decline — including memory loss — are diagnosed early can help improve health outcomes in people with dementia. Interventions to address caregiving needs can also help improve health and well-being in people with dementia.