Alzheimer’s Care in the U.S.: Making the Case for Universal Coverage
Yiqing Ye
Academic Magnet High School, North Charleston, South Carolina, USA
Publication date: November 20, 2025
Academic Magnet High School, North Charleston, South Carolina, USA
Publication date: November 20, 2025
DOI: http://doi.org/10.34614/JIYRC2025II13
ABSTRACT
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) affect over 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older, with prevalence projected to surpass 12 million by 2050. As the fifth leading cause of death in this age group, ADRD poses mounting economic, emotional, and systemic challenges. The U.S. healthcare system remains poorly equipped to address long-term dementia care needs due to fragmented coverage, limited Medicare support, and restrictive Medicaid eligibility. Consequently, families shoulder immense financial and caregiving burdens, often sacrificing employment and savings to provide unpaid support valued at over $350 billion annually. This review explores the multifaceted impacts of ADRD on caregivers and patients, with particular attention to disparities driven by socioeconomic status, geography, and race. Universal health coverage or expanded financial assistance for dementia care could mitigate these burdens by promoting early intervention, reducing out-of-pocket costs, and improving care coordination. Drawing on international models and economic data, the paper highlights how early detection and community-based care reduce long-term expenditures and caregiver strain. While implementation challenges remain, particularly around funding and policy integration, the evidence suggests that equitable, comprehensive dementia care is both fiscally sustainable and socially imperative. Investing in universal or enhanced dementia coverage offers a path toward a more just and resilient care system.
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) affect over 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older, with prevalence projected to surpass 12 million by 2050. As the fifth leading cause of death in this age group, ADRD poses mounting economic, emotional, and systemic challenges. The U.S. healthcare system remains poorly equipped to address long-term dementia care needs due to fragmented coverage, limited Medicare support, and restrictive Medicaid eligibility. Consequently, families shoulder immense financial and caregiving burdens, often sacrificing employment and savings to provide unpaid support valued at over $350 billion annually. This review explores the multifaceted impacts of ADRD on caregivers and patients, with particular attention to disparities driven by socioeconomic status, geography, and race. Universal health coverage or expanded financial assistance for dementia care could mitigate these burdens by promoting early intervention, reducing out-of-pocket costs, and improving care coordination. Drawing on international models and economic data, the paper highlights how early detection and community-based care reduce long-term expenditures and caregiver strain. While implementation challenges remain, particularly around funding and policy integration, the evidence suggests that equitable, comprehensive dementia care is both fiscally sustainable and socially imperative. Investing in universal or enhanced dementia coverage offers a path toward a more just and resilient care system.
