The Doctor Working to Reverse the Effects of Alzheimer's and Dementia Alzheimer's disease is an epidemic. More than 5 Million Americans are living with the disease today. By 2050, that number is projected to rise to nearly 14 million. Stay informed and join our daily newsletter now! Email Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. Alzheimer’s disease is an epidemic. More than 5 million Americans are living with the disease today. By 2050, that number is projected to rise to nearly 14 million. According to the Alzheimer's Association, one in three seniors die with Alzheimer’s or dementia — it kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.