This research explores mortality by Alzheimer's
(AD). The Center for Disease Control estimates the
incidence of AD doubles every 5 years after age 65.
Research exploring the oldest old is limited due to
low frequencies in sample research. This study
combines 5 years of U.S. mortality files, from 1998
to 2002, to analyze mortality by AD beginning at age
60 to 64, including the oldest old. Mortality
by AD peaks for decedents aged 85 to 89 and
begins to decline for decedents over age 90. These
declining numbers were due in part to declining
decedents after age 85. Regressions found different
mortality patterns among the oldest old. Females are
more likely to die of AD than males. Non-Hispanic
Whites are more likely to die of AD than Hispanics
and non-Hispanic Blacks. There is an increased risk
of dying in a nursing home if one dies of AD. This
analysis is topical due to the aging of the baby
boomers, who are reaching the age of risk of AD and
especially useful to health and long term care
planners, gerontologists, population fields and
demographers studying mortality.