More Americans Fear Alzheimer’s than Heart Disease, Diabetes or Stroke

Despite fear, few people prepare for getting Alzheimer’s

American adults fear getting Alzheimer’s disease more than heart disease, stroke or diabetes, but almost nine out of 10 people have taken no steps to prepare for Alzheimer’s -- an illness that attacks nearly 50 percent of those who live past age 85.

This news comes from the MetLife Foundation Alzheimer’s Survey, What America Thinks, which was conducted by Harris Interactive.

Highlights from the report include:

• More than a third of U.S. adults have a family member or friend who has Alzheimer’s.
• Three out of five people surveyed were concerned that they may someday have to be a caretaker for someone with Alzheimer’s.
• Almost three-quarters of Americans say they know very little or nothing about Alzheimer’s, although 93 percent are at least aware of the disease.
• Eight out of 10 people said they think it is important to plan ahead for the possibility of getting Alzheimer’s, but 83 percent have taken no steps to prepare for the possibility of Alzheimer’s. In one example, more than half (58 percent) report that they have not designated anyone to take care of their affairs if they were to get Alzheimer’s disease.

“Our survey clearly shows that although adults fear Alzheimer's and the devastating effects it has on individuals, families and communities, few have done anything to prepare for a disease that destroys a person's memory, personality and ability to function independently,” said Sibyl Jacobson, president and CEO of MetLife Foundation, in a news release from MetLife.

“The greatest risk factor in Alzheimer's is age, and, as Americans live longer, the threat of Alzheimer's will continue to increase.”

Background on Alzheimer’s
The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 4.5 million Americans now have Alzheimer’s, and this number is expected to reach 16 million by 2050. One in 10 people over 65 have the disease and the rate is closer to 50 percent for people over 85. The Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institute on Aging estimate that the cost of current Alzheimer’s care is more than $100 billion annually.

The aging of America’s population guarantees an increase in Alzheimer’s, according to MetLife, and that will impact every part society. The report authors encourage individuals and organization to take this seriously -- and plan for the future.

Want to know more?

• Read highlights of the MetLife Alzheimer’s Survey (7 pages)


• Read the complete MetLife Alzheimer’s Survey (36 pages)

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