Alzheimer’s Disease has a Catastrophic Impact on Florida, According to a New Report
According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2022 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, the Alzheimer’s disease burden continues to increase across the nation, including Florida.
Florida has long been a popular destination for retirees and those looking to spend their golden years. Yet, because of the significant number of people over 65, Florida currently has the nation’s second-highest disease incidence.
Alzheimer’s disease is a public health concern in our state which must be addressed. And over 580,000 Floridians are affected by the condition, with 800,000 caregivers supporting them. In 2025, that number is predicted to rise to 720,000.
“I had a very up close and personal experience with this disease. My grandfather — a kind, gentle veteran who adored his family — lived with and lost much to the disease for many years. The caregiver burden was tremendous! Having a definitive and early diagnosis of the disease could have been a tremendous help to find all the resources available to him and us.” Says a caregiver.
The report emphasizes the importance of increasing Florida’s funding in Alzheimer’s research to advance medicines that can halt these trends. Florida is making progress because of the efforts of Alzheimer’s Association champions around the state. To assist people living with the condition and their careers, Florida must also improve public policies and extend care and support programs in their communities.
The paper also highlights the worrying lack of awareness surrounding Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and MCI caused by Alzheimer’s disease. Several people confuse MCI with normal ageing, although this is not the case. MCI, which affects 12 percent to 18 percent of those aged 60 and up, can be a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease. Over 4 out of 5 Americans have little or no knowledge of MCI.
MCI must be diagnosed, recognized, and treated as new medicines target Alzheimer’s early, allowing families and physicians to plan for future requirements and care. These developments, such as the recent approval of aducanumab and the 104 disease-modifying therapies presently in clinical trials, emphasize the necessity of detecting MCI related to Alzheimer’s disease early and accurately.