New Alzheimer’s Association Report:
Americans Value Brain Health but Lack Guidance
—– New report highlights the latest Alzheimer’s statistics for North Carolina and nationwide —–
Americans say brain health is as important as physical health as they age, yet most do not know how to protect it, according to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2026 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report and a nationwide survey released today by the Alzheimer’s Association.
The annual report provides an in-depth look at the latest national and state-by-state data on Alzheimer’s prevalence, mortality, dementia care workforce, costs of care and impact on caregivers. The new report estimates that 7.4 million people age 65 and older in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s disease, including 210,500 in North Carolina.
This year the cost of caring for people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia is projected to reach $409 billion – a $25 billion increase from a year ago. This does not include unpaid care provided by family caregivers and friends. Last year in North Carolina there were 338,000 family caregivers, providing 446 million hours of unpaid care valued at nearly $8.3 billion.
“The latest data show Alzheimer’s remains a growing challenge for families in North Carolina. That’s why it’s critical to keep advancing research and developing treatments that can improve outcomes and support everyone facing the disease, including people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in North Carolina and their families.”
Christine John-Fuller, Executive Director of Alzheimer’s Association chapters in North Carolina
An accompanying special report, American Perspectives on Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease in the Era of Treatment, highlights a national survey of more than 1,700 U.S. adults, aged 45 and older, examining awareness and attitudes of early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, tests used to help diagnose Alzheimer’s and treatments that can slow progression of the disease.
Brain Health in America: Understanding and Supporting Lifelong Cognitive Health
An accompanying special report, Brain Health in America: Understanding and Supporting Lifelong Cognitive Health, highlights survey findings from more than 3,800 adults age 40 and older. Nearly all respondents said brain health is at least as important as physical health, yet only 9% said they know a lot about how to maintain it. More than two-thirds reported worrying about their brain health or developing dementia.
While most adults believe healthy lifestyle behaviors support brain health, fewer make the connection to reducing dementia risk. Three-quarters said behaviors such as diet, exercise and sleep are important for brain health, but less than half strongly linked those habits to lowering their risk of Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia.
The survey also found strong interest in brain health programs, particularly in midlife, but barriers remain. Nearly three-quarters said they would participate in brain health programs, preferring flexible, low-cost options. Most adults said they want guidance from their health care provider, yet few reported having those conversations.
“The survey makes clear that Americans care deeply about brain health, but many want more clarity about what steps to take,” said John-Fuller. “There’s a real opportunity to strengthen awareness and empower people with straightforward guidance that fits into everyday life.”
To address the needs identified in the survey, the Alzheimer’s Association is partnering to deliver research-backed information and programs to help people support their brain health across community, workplace and health care settings. These efforts are informed by the Alzheimer’s Association’s landmark U.S. POINTER study, which found that combining multiple healthy habits can protect cognition function. North Carolina played a pivotal role in this research, serving as the first trial site at Wake Forest University through the Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter.
The full 2026 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report is available at alz.org/facts and will be published in the April 2026 issue of Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.
About 2026 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures:
The Alzheimer’s Association 2026 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report is a comprehensive compilation of national statistics and information on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The report conveys the impact of Alzheimer’s on individuals, families, government and the nation’s health care system. Since its 2007 inaugural release, the report has become the preeminent source covering the broad spectrum of Alzheimer’s issues. The Facts and Figures report is an official publication of the Alzheimer’s Association. The report is published annually in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Alzheimer's Association North Carolina Blog 