National Report: Brain Health Matters to Most, But Understanding Falls Short – Herb Weiss

By Herb Weiss, contributing writer on aging issues

As with the findings detailed in previous reports, the numbers in the Alzheimer’s Association’s recently released 2026 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report are jarring.

In 2026, about 7.4 million Americans aged 65 and older, or roughly 1 in 9, are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Nearly three-quarters are 75 or older, and almost two-thirds are women.

As these numbers continue to rise, the challenges ahead grow even more daunting.  We see the graying of the U.S. population, which has resulted in the number of people living with Alzheimer’s rising sharply, says the report. By 2030, all baby boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964, will be in higher-risk age groups for developing devastating cognitive disorders.  By 2060, Americans with Alzheimer’s could reach 13.8 million.

Over the years, the Facts and Figures reports have become the nation’s primary source of statistics and analysis on Alzheimer’s and other dementias.  The report has been published every year since 2007, and this year’s edition also appears in the April 2026 issue of Alzheimer’s & Dementia®, the Association’s journal.

The 142-page report, released last week, provides updated national and state-level data. Its findings suggest that Alzheimer’s has become more common and challenging for caregivers. The report remains a guiding roadmap for state and federal officials and researchers to combat this serious cognitive disorder.  It also includes a special survey about how Americans aged 40 and older think about and manage brain health.

“The latest data show Alzheimer’s is still a growing challenge for families in Rhode Island,” said Laura Hoffman, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Connecticut and Rhode Island chapters, in a statement announcing the report’s release on April 21, 2026. “That’s why it’s critical to keep progressing research and developing treatments that can improve outcomes and support everyone facing the disease,” she says.

Hoffman stressed that the nationwide crisis demands urgent action now, given the mounting financial burden on caregivers. This year, professional care for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is expected to cost $409 billion. By 2050, Hoffman warns, this figure could reach nearly $1 trillion.

Caregiving is still mostly handled by family and friends, the report notes. Nearly 13 million relatives and friends provided more than 19 billion hours of unpaid care last year. The value of their efforts is estimated to be a whopping $446 billion.

The report noted that Alzheimer’s is also a growing cause of death.  Since 2000, deaths from the progressive g cognitive disorder have surged by 134%. In the same period, deaths from heart disease have risen by only 3.8%. Today, Alzheimer’s takes more lives than breast and prostate cancers combined.

Rhode Island: By the Numbers

According to the report’s Rhode Island-specific data, about 22,000 Rhode Islanders aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease.  That’s 11.4% of this population group. Another 37,000 people serve as caregivers — many of these individuals are unpaid family members or friends. So roughly 1 in every 30 Rhode Islanders is caring for someone with the cognitive condition. Together, they provide 53 million hours of unpaid care, valued at $1.5 billion.

In 2025, the State’s Medicaid costs of caring for persons with Alzheimer’s and other Dementias totaled around $ 640 million. Per-capita Medicare spending for these individuals was $33,705, according to the report.

Recently, Rhode Island’s care network relied on just 32 geriatricians and about 8,070 home health and personal care aides to support persons with Alzheimer’s and dementia. To keep up with rising demand for dementia care, Rhode Island’s workforce must expand. The state requires a 23.9% increase in home health aide roles by 2032 and an 18.8% increase in specialist geriatricians by 2050, according to the report.

When comparing national and Ocean State-specific data, Hoffman, who heads the Alzheimer’s Association’s Connecticut and Rhode Island chapters, notes that the nation’s smallest state has the same rising trend in Alzheimer’s prevalence, increasing caregiver burden, and growing strain on health systems.  “As a smaller, aging state, these trends will be felt even more. The impact on families, providers, and community resources is both visible and immediate,” she says.

Hoffman calls for more dementia care professionals across the long-term care continuum. “There is also a need for more respite care, adult day programs, and long-term options that are equipped to treat complex Alzheimer’s or dementia cases,” suggests Hoffman, to fill gaps in providing services, supports, or workforce capacity to care for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.

With the General Assembly now in session, Hoffman is urging lawmakers to pass HB 7542 or SB 2874, which establishes a Dementia Services Coordinator position within the Department of Health. “This state agency position will support the work of the Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Treatment, oversee implementation of the state Alzheimer’s plan, and serve as a liaison between state agencies, the governor, the legislature, and external stakeholders,” she says.

Understanding and Sustaining Cognitive Health

The Alzheimer’s Association’s 2026 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report comes with a special report, Brain Health in America: Comprehending and Supporting Lifelong Cognitive Health. It is based on a survey of more than 3,800 U.S. adults aged 40 and older.

The special report’s findings show a clear disconnect; that is, most Americans see brain health as a top priority, equal to or even more important than physical health, yet many are unsure how to protect it.

“Americans care deeply about their brain health and recognize that midlife is a critical time to take action,” said Heather M. Snyder, Ph.D., the Association’s senior vice president of Medical and Scientific Relations. “But many don’t know where to start and are looking for clear, practical guidance,” she says.

Almost all respondents said keeping their brains healthy is important, but only 9% feel well informed about it. Many know that sleep, diet, and exercise matter, but fewer people clearly understand how these habits might lower the risk of dementia.

Many respondents expressed concern about their potential declining cognitive health. More than two-thirds of those surveyed admit they worry about their brain health and the chance of developing Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Still, fewer than half of these individuals strongly link healthy lifestyle habits with lowering that risk.

The special report’s findings also reveal that interest in prevention programs is high, but barriers to participation remain. About 73% would consider joining brain health programs, such as cognitive exercises, health monitoring, nutrition advice, or physical activity. However, the program’s cost, location, motivation, and insurance coverage are major obstacles to participation.

Respondents also said they want flexible options. About 40% prefer self-guided programs at home, while 38% like blended formats that mix independent and in-person participation. Only 8% prefer fully in-person programs.

Many say midlife, ages 35 to 64, is a key time for them to act. Nearly two in five respondents think people should start focusing on brain health during these years. Almost half believe formal programs should begin then. About one-third also said brain health should be a lifelong pursuit.

Even with a strong interest, many people say they do not talk often with health care providers about brain health. Two-thirds of respondents said they would like to discuss brain health with their physician.  Most would welcome these talks during regular office visits. Most would welcome these conversations during routine office visits. Still, only a small percentage say they have actually had them.

“These outcomes show a real opportunity to better integrate brain health into routine care,” Snyder said. People are motivated to protect their brain health, but they need clear, effective guidance, she says.

Snyder sees a wider, clear message in the report: Brain health is a lifelong priority, not just a concern in older age, she says. “By connecting efforts across individuals, communities, workplaces, and health care systems, we could support cognitive health and help reduce dementia risk,” she adds.

A Final Note…

With this year’s Alzheimer’s Facts and Figures report released, Hoffman also sees a clear takeaway for Rhode Islanders: “Brain health matters at every stage of life. Take steps now—stay active, eat well, get enough sleep, remain socially engaged, and talk to your healthcare provider about memory concerns,”  she adds.

The Alzheimer’s Association is expanding efforts with community and research partners to deliver evidence-based information and programs. These projects are informed in part by the landmark U.S. POINTER study, which continues to explore how lifestyle interventions may help protect cognitive function.

If you have any questions about Alzheimer’s or any other form of dementia, contact the Alzheimer’s Association 24-7 Helpline at 1/ 800-272-3900.

For a copy of the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2026 Facts and Figures Report, go to Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures

___

For a copy of this year’s Brain Health in America special report, go to Brain Health in America: Understanding and Supporting Lifelong Cognitive Health.

___

For details about the U.S. POINTER study, to https://www.alz.org/us-pointer/study-results

___

To read more articles by Herb Weiss, go to:  https://2×8.ea2.myftpupload.com/herb-weiss/

Herb Weiss, LRI, 12, is a Pawtucket-based writer who has covered aging, healthcare, and medical issues for more than 45 years. To purchase his books, Taking Charge: Collected Stories on Aging Boldly and its two sequels, visit herbweiss.com.