By Staff

About 5.7 million individuals in the United States are living with Alzheimer's disease, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

That figure is expected to grow to 13.9 million, equating to nearly 3.3 percent of the projected population in 2060.

The neurodegenerative disease is one of the leading causes of disability and the sixth-leading cause of mortality in the US.

With annual health-care costs of more than $250 billion, the disease also puts a significant strain on the nation's health-care system.

Additionally, unpaid caregivers spend over 18 billion hours tending to those living with Alzheimer's.

Non-Hispanic whites are still expected to have the largest total number of Alzheimer’s cases.

“This study shows that as the U.S. population increases, the number of people affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias will rise, especially among minority populations,” CDC Director Robert R. Redfield said,“Early diagnosis is key to helping people and their families cope with loss of memory, navigate the health care system, and plan for their care in the future.”

Other key Alzheimer’s- and dementia-related projections for 2060, according to the CDC:

Hispanic Americans will face the largest projected increase (3.2 million).

About 2.2 million African Americans are estimated to live with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Prevalence among African Americans age 65 an older: 13.8 percent

Prevalence among Hispanic Americans age 65 and older: 12.2 percent

Prevalence among non-Hispanic whites age 65 and older: 10.3 percent

Prevalence among American Indian and Alaska natives age 65 ad older: 9.1 percent

Prevalence among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders age 65 and older: 8.4 percent