The cost of dementia: 5 things employers should know

Published 2 Min Read

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It’s no secret that the U.S. elderly population is only growing, and with that will be an increased prevalence of chronic diseases — and dementia is no exception.

The Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging, an independent economic think tank, found that the prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (or ADRD) treatment has soared, with costs increasing by 31% since 2012, totaling to $60.3 billion last year. However, women and people of color may find themselves at a disproportionate risk for dementia and the financial burden that comes with it.

The Milken Institute estimates that by 2060, dementia-related healthcare expenditures will double to $102 billion. Given the growing elderly population and poor healthcare access, this may be unavoidable.

“Age is the largest risk factor for dementia,” says Ty. “We have a bulging growth of our population aging, so you’re going to naturally see this increase in treatment and expenditures.”

Deanna Cuadra
Senior Reporter

Deanna Cuadra is a senior reporter at Employee Benefit News. Her work covers healthcare, U.S. policy and reform, challenges faced by women and parents in the workplace and innovation in work culture … Read full bio


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