Disability and Care Needs of Older Americans by Dementia Status: An Analysis of the 2011 National Health and Aging Trends Study

Studies of the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia in the U.S. estimate that 14% of
those over age 70 are affected, and that prevalence increases with age, exceeding one-quarter of
persons over age 80. The implications of population aging for increases in older persons with
dementia and the impact on families, which will be the mainstays in caregiving, have been recognized
worldwide in a 2012 World Health Organization report on Dementia as a Public Health Priority, and
in the U.S. by the National Alzheimer’s Project Act of 2012. This report uses the National Health and
Aging Trends Study (NHATS), to describe late life disability and care needs of older adults with
dementia. Using a dementia classification developed previously, we examine patterns for older adults
with probable, possible and no dementia in the extent of activity limitations, receipt of assistance, and
caregiving resources. [37 PDF pages]