Alzheimer’s Impact on Social Security and Medicare: Urgent Policy Focus

The U.S. Social Security system faces potential insolvency within eight years due to demographic shifts including increased retirements and longevity, compounded by the growing prevalence of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's cases in the U.S. are projected to nearly double to 14 million by 2060, leading to heightened caregiving demands primarily absorbed by families and professional caregivers. This surge poses significant financial strain on households, Medicaid, and Medicare, whose sustainability is also at risk with Medicare's hospital insurance fund expected to deplete by 2033. China has initiated aggressive public health initiatives aimed at improving Alzheimer's diagnosis and treatment rates, demonstrating a strategic approach to mitigate related economic challenges through workforce investment and early intervention. Advances in U.S. medical science, such as FDA-approved blood biomarker tests and emerging therapies to slow cognitive decline, offer potential to extend healthy life expectancy and reduce long-term care costs. These innovations could enable affected Americans to remain productive longer, thus lessening pressure on social programs and supporting economic growth. Policy recommendations include expanding Medicare coverage for diagnostic tests, incentivizing healthcare providers for early lifestyle interventions, and streamlining approvals for pre-symptomatic Alzheimer's treatments. Implementing these measures could improve the financial outlook of social safety nets, enhance labor participation among older adults, and sustain national economic vitality.