More seniors experience dementia as they age

Posted March 8, 2026 at 3:24 PM, Filed Under: All News, Front Page

By Greg Pearson

Though family history and genetics are factors in dementia, the most likely determinant is age. After age 65, the risk of Alzheimer’s doubles every 5 years. For those age 85 and older, 34% of U.S. adults have Alzheimer’s, according to Jaime Smiley, a licensed occupational therapist and certified dementia practitioner with more than 24 years of experience. She was the speaker at the March 5 meeting of the Brandermill Region Men’s Club meeting.

Alzheimer’s is the best known of the 6 kinds of dementia followed by vascular dementia. Women and minorities are more likely have Alzheimer’s with two-thirds of those patients being female. Alzheimer’s leads to nerve cell death and tissue loss in the brain, which makes the brain shrink in size, causing almost all of its functions being affected.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 7 million U.S. citizens have Alzheimer’s. Many metropolitan areas, including Richmond, have local chapters of that organization for educational and fundraising purposes. Alzheimer’s now kills more Americans annually than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. From 2000 to 2022 the incidence of heart disease declined 2% while the prevalence of Alzheimer’s grew 142%.

In 2025, Alzheimer’s cost Americans (family members, neighbors and friends) an estimated value of $384 billion in unpaid provided care. By 2050, that same unpaid care will increase in value to almost $1 trillion. Much of that higher cost will occur as baby boomers grow older and become more numerous of those age 65+. According to Smiley, 24/7 at-home care by professional caregivers costs about $25,000 on a monthly basis.

As with most medical issues, early detection reduces the severity of dementia. Typically, after testing, a person’s primary care doctor likely will refer his/her patient to a geriatrician, neurologist, neuropsychologist, psychiatrist or psychologist. Over the years numerous therapies have been approved by the Federal Drug Agency for those with Alzheimer’s.