Researchers also discovered that 37,000 commercially insured Americans between 30 and 64 were diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2017, a 131% jump in diagnoses since 2013.

“What the data does show is significantly more commercially insured Americans living with the condition each year of our analysis period,” said Harvey. “While we can't attribute a ‘why’ to the new diagnoses among younger Americans, I will say that this research is particularly important due to the potential future impact it will have on the caregivers who provide care for those who are diagnosed. An increase in diagnoses among younger generations can lead to even greater economic implications and mental stress for those that provide them care, which can lead to added depression, social isolation and financial stress.”

Data was derived from the BCBS Axis, a database of medical claims for more than 48 million commercially insured members of Blue Cross Blue Shield Companies, from 2013 to 2017.

The report is the 29th study of the Blue Cross Blue Shield, Health of America Report series.

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