Alzheimer’s Cases Rise as Most Americans Lack Clear Guidance on Brain Health

9 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Apr 21

A new Alzheimer’s Association report finds 7.4 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in 2026, with numbers rising annually.
Despite nearly all adults valuing brain health, only 9% say they know much about maintaining it, and healthy habits are inconsistently practiced.
Experts stress midlife as a critical time to adopt preventive habits, as the disease’s burden grows for families, caregivers, and the healthcare system.

Why is brain health, our most vital asset, still largely ignored in routine healthcare and public policy?

With dementia a spiraling global crisis, are other countries managing prevention and care more effectively than the United States?

Since 45% of dementia cases are preventable, what is the single most impactful change a person can make to protect their brain?

Unpaid Alzheimer's care is a $450 billion crisis. Are we failing the 13 million caregivers shouldering this immense burden alone?

Some brains resist Alzheimer's despite disease signs. What secrets do these 'resilient brains' hold for preventing dementia in the rest of us?

Blood tests can now predict Alzheimer's years early. Will this breakthrough be accessible to all or just the wealthy?