Arizona’s Alzheimer’s Disease Numbers Are Climbing — Fast
Presently, 151,500 Arizonans over the age of 65 are living with Alzheimer’s disease. That’s 11% of the state’s senior population. Nationwide, more than 7 million Americans are affected, and this number is expected to nearly double by 2050 without significant advances in treatment or prevention.
Arizona faces a unique challenge as one of the fastest-aging states in the country. To meet the growing demand, it’s projected that we’ll need 190% more geriatricians and a 40% increase in home health and personal care aides by mid-century.
The Hidden Burden on Family Caregivers
Alzheimer’s doesn’t just impact the person diagnosed; it deeply affects their caregivers, many of whom are family members juggling full-time responsibilities. In Arizona, approximately 240,000 unpaid caregivers provide more than 377 million hours of care each year. That care is valued at $9.6 billion, but the true cost is even greater.
Caregivers often sacrifice their own health, finances, and well-being. Nearly 60% report chronic health conditions, 24% experience depression, and 13.8% are in poor physical health. These are not just numbers. They reflect a silent crisis unfolding in homes across Arizona, where families are stretched thin and support is scarce.
Alzheimer’s Disease and the Rising Cost of Healthcare
The financial impact on our healthcare system is just as staggering. In 2025 alone, Medicaid costs for Arizonans with Alzheimer’s are projected to exceed $591 million. Nationally, the cost of Alzheimer’s care is expected to reach $384 billion, with estimates pointing toward $1 trillion annually by mid-century.
What’s most notable is that these high costs are often driven by preventable complications. In Arizona, 18% of hospice patients have a primary diagnosis of dementia, and more than 20% of Alzheimer’s patients are readmitted to the hospital, often due to challenges that could be addressed with early intervention and coordinated care.
Oakwood Creative Care is Taking Action in the Face of Crisis
This crisis demands more than awareness—it demands action. That’s why Oakwood Creative Care (OCC) is leading the charge to support those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias right here in the Valley.
At the heart of that support is The Dementia Hub in Mesa, where families can access free Memory Screenings and healthy brain check-ups. These screenings offer a proactive approach to identifying early signs of cognitive change, enabling individuals and their families to plan, prepare, and connect with helpful resources.
OCC also offers weekly Memory Cafés across the East Valley. These free gatherings provide a welcoming environment where caregivers and their loved ones can build a sense of community, ask questions, and gain valuable insights into the dementia journey.
Introducing the GUIDE Model: Free Alzheimer’s Disease Support for Medicare Members
OCC is also proud to be a participating provider in the new GUIDE Model (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) program from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
The GUIDE Model ensures that families receive the kind of holistic, person-centered care they deserve, without having to navigate the journey alone. This innovative, no-cost membership program is available to those covered by Medicare Parts A and B and offers:
- Personalized care plans tailored to each individual’s unique needs
- 24/7 access to a dementia support line
- Expert coaching and education for family caregivers
- Support for aging at home and reducing avoidable hospital visits
The Time to Act is NOW!
- Learn the signs of Alzheimer’s, such as confusion, memory loss, wandering, or disorientation.
- Take early action by scheduling a free memory screening through OCC.
- Connect with others through local Memory Cafés and caregiver support groups.
- Advocate for increased investment in dementia education, care, and community-based resources.
Did You Know?
Oakwood Creative Care is bringing back the JOY in aging! Click the button below to learn more about how we do this through our research-based, cutting-edge, and creative care model found at each of our Adult Day Clubs and Arizona’s first-ever Dementia Hub.
