More than 236,000 Ohioans have Alzheimer's
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More than 7 million American seniors now live with Alzheimer's disease — the highest number ever recorded — including more than 236,000 Ohioans.
Why it matters: As Alzheimer's diagnoses rise, the federal funding for medical research that's critical to preventing and treating it is at risk of being cut.
By the numbers: About 11.3% of Ohioans 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's, according to 2025 data shared in a new Alzheimer's Association report.
- Nearly 5,000 Ohioans die from the disease each year.
Between the lines: According to the 2020 census, Ohio is on pace to have more residents over 60 than residents under 20.
- Meanwhile, 2023 data from the American Community Survey showed that Cleveland's 65-69 age group experienced the highest percentage growth of any age demographic in the city.
Zoom out: Nearly two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's are women, according to data cited in the report.
- Risk increases with age: 5.1% of people aged 65-74 have it, and a third of people 85 and older have it.
What they're saying: "It doesn't surprise me" that Alzheimer's incidence has increased, because the population is aging and "we're becoming more sophisticated in our options for diagnosing and testing for Alzheimer's disease," Lakelyn Eichenberger, a gerontologist and caregiving advocate at Home Instead, tells Axios.
- With cases climbing and age a key risk factor, early action is critical for managing the disease and accessing new treatments, Eichenberger says.
Go deeper: Warning signs and preventing dementia