First reported in the early 20th Century, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive and fatal disorder characterized by hallmark protein changes and neuronal degeneration in the brain. Although individuals with early-stage AD may carry out daily activities with minimal assistance, the disease ultimately affects multiple areas of the brain, necessitating caregivers to help the patient sustain basic functions. AD accounts for 60% to 80% of cases of dementia, as represented by difficulties with memory, language, problem-solving, and thinking.¹ The neuronal damage of AD eventually affects brain regions that support walking and swallowing, rendering the patient in need of constant care.

Alzheimer’s dementia currently affects an estimated 6.5 million (10.7%) US adults ages 65 and older, a number that is projected to rise to 12.7 million by 2050 due to the aging of the US population.² Although incidence increases with age,¹ AD can manifest at any time, and the physiologic changes that underpin AD likely begin several decades before the patient notices symptoms.^3,4 Women account for approximately two-thirds of AD cases diagnosed in the US,¹² and analysis of Framingham Heart Study data suggest that women have a 1 in 5-lifetime risk for Alzheimer’s dementia at age 45, compared to 1 in 10 for men.5 Older non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanic Americans are disproportionately more likely than older White Americans to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias,¹ most likely reflecting health and socioeconomic disparities than genetic distinctions.⁶