10 Interesting Facts About Alzheimer’s Disease

This blog was originally published on 9/3/2020 and updated on 6/3/2025.

Although we understand Alzheimer’s disease more than ever as a nation, there’s still so much to learn. A comprehensive understanding of this disease can not only aid in prevention and risk reduction, but it can also help families and caregivers best support their loved ones if they face an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that is a progressive disease – it destroys important mental functions such as memory, cognitive abilities, and more. To give you a better understanding, we’ve put together a list of 10 interesting facts about Alzheimer’s you may not know – learn more about risk factors, possible causes, and how to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s with our help.  

10 Facts and Stats About Alzheimer’s

1. Women Are More Likely to Get Alzheimer’s Disease Than Men

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, nearly twice as many women get Alzheimer’s disease when compared to men. Alzheimer’s symptoms also seem to worsen more rapidly for women. Women with Alzheimer’s tend to experience brain shrinkage on a more severe level, which leads to more rapid progression of symptoms. Research suggests this may be due to other health factors, and more research needs to be done to determine the underlying causes.  

2. Alzheimer’s Disease May Affect an Individual’s Sense of Smell

Here’s another interesting fact about Alzheimer’s – the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has reported that a person in the early stages of Alzheimer’s may lose their sense of smell. This change could also be due to other factors, including brain injury, sinus infection, and Parkinson’s disease. If you notice this symptom in your senior loved one, it’s wise to have them checked out. Our community for memory care in Illinois can help you navigate your loved one’s symptoms and put a proper diagnosis and care plan in place.  

Related Article: The Benefits of Detecting Alzheimer’s Disease In Its Early Stages

3. The Prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease is Increasing

According to Alzheimer’s Orange County, the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias will grow each year as the size and proportion of the U.S. population age 65 and older continue to increase. With more than a 40% increase from 2015, the number of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is estimated to reach 7.1 million by 2025. This will nearly triple in 2050 with a projected 13.8 million. Knowledge about risk factors and proper Alzheimer’s care is imperative for families to both aid in prevention and also slow disease progression.  

4. More Than Half of All Individuals With Alzheimer’s Do Not Know They Have It

There are approximately 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, yet more than half of them aren’t aware they have the disease and haven’t been properly diagnosed. Although this interesting Alzheimer’s fact may seem staggering, it’s largely due to the challenge of detecting early-stage Alzheimer’s, which results in many undiagnosed cases. If you notice any Alzheimer’s symptoms in your senior loved one, have a professional examine them – early detection means a better chance of slowing the progression of the disease.  

5. Eighty-Three Percent of Support Provided to Older Adults in the United States is From Family Members & Caregivers

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 83% of the support provided to older adults in the U.S. comes from family members, unpaid caregivers, and close friends. These individuals often step in to help with daily tasks, medical appointments, and emotional support, all without compensation or formal training. The Association also estimates that almost half of all caregivers are assisting older adults living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, which adds a layer of complexity and emotional strain to their responsibilities. 

6. Two-Thirds of Caregivers Are Women.

Approximately 30% of Alzheimer’s caregivers are age 65 or older. Here’s another interesting Alzheimer’s fact – two-thirds of caregivers are women, and one-third of those caregivers are daughters who have a parent with dementia. Another interesting fact about Alzheimer’s caregivers is 66% of these individuals live with a loved one who has dementia, and one-quarter of those caregivers are known as the “sandwich generation.” This moniker means that they not only care for their aging parents, but also for children under age 18.  

Related Article: Eating Healthy Foods May Help Delay Alzheimer’s Disease

7. Alzheimer’s Disease Does Not Always Impact Emotional Memories.

Although Alzheimer’s disease is most commonly known for impairing memory, this isn’t always the case, according to Alzheimer’s Net. Alzheimer’s is the rapid decline of brain cells, which affects various cognitive functions such as thinking, memory, judgment, behavior, and personality. While memory loss is a frequent symptom, it doesn’t affect every individual equally and you may or may not notice memory loss in your senior loved one. Our community for memory care in Illinois can help you walk through symptoms and ensure your loved one gets a proper diagnosis. 

8. Education May Decrease Your Probability of Getting Alzheimer’s Disease.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) reports that education can lower the risk of getting Alzheimer’s Disease – it keeps the brain active in old age. Educational activities like learning new languages, taking classes and seminars, playing musical instruments, and staying engaged through group activities can all bring down the risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease.  

9. ALZHEIMER’S WAS first discovered in 1906. 

German doctor Alois Alzheimer first discovered Alzheimer’s disease in 1906. One of his patients, Auguste D., was experiencing memory loss and problems with cognitive functions. After performing the deceased patient’s autopsy, Dr. Alzheimer concluded that part of the patient’s brain had shrunk and deduced that this was the cause for his memory loss and cognitive issues. In 1910, a psychiatrist working with the doctor officially named the condition Alzheimer’s disease. 

10. Alzheimer’s Disease Affects the physical Structure of the Brain.

Did you know that Alzheimer’s disease alters the physical structure of the brain? One consequence of Alzheimer’s disease is the enlargement of the brain’s ventricles, which happens as surrounding areas like the cerebral cortex shrink and deteriorate. These alterations may result in challenges like recognizing movement, orienting gaze toward objects, and changes in the responsiveness of pupils to light.

Benefits of Visiting a Family Member With Alzheimer’s

When was the last time you visited your loved one with Alzheimer’s? Although your family member may struggle with memory loss, visiting those with Alzheimer’s or dementia does make a positive impact, no matter the stage of their disease. 

Though your loved one may not remember your relationship, your visit can still enhance the quality of their life by creating meaningful moments. Those with Alzheimer’s still have emotional memories. This means that while they may not recall a particular event, they can still remember how it made them feel. Additionally, socializing with your family members can improve their mood and help them relax. Whether you know it or not, seniors with Alzheimer’s enjoy visits and the special connection that results from them.  

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care Programs

Terra Vista is a community for memory care in Illinois that specializes in caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. We’re wholeheartedly committed to making sure your loved one lives a meaningful life despite their diagnosis. We also offer a memory respite care program, memory therapy programs, and additional caregiving resources for you and your loved one. 

If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and you’re seeking support and information, reach out to our expert team at (630) 793-0753. Our advisors and caregivers are here to help.