More Americans than ever are living longer lives. But with longer life comes a higher risk of neurological diseases—especially Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. These conditions not only affect memory and movement, but they also come with long-term care needs that can drain both your finances and your quality of life.
Alzheimer’s Disease:
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About 6.7 million Americans age 65+ are currently living with Alzheimer’s.
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That number is expected to hit 12.7 million by 2050—nearly double.
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By 2060, the number could rise even further to 13.8 million, with minority populations seeing the highest growth.
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Alzheimer’s is the fifth leading cause of death among seniors.
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The cost of care is exploding—expected to jump from $1.3 trillion in 2019 to $2.8 trillion by 2030.
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Nearly 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
Parkinson’s Disease:
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Around 1 million Americans have Parkinson’s today.
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That number will likely reach 1.2 million by 2030, with global cases rising to 25.2 million by 2050.
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Parkinson’s cases more than doubled from 1990 to 2015—and will likely double again by 2040.
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It’s now the fastest-growing neurological disorder in the world.
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In 2020 alone, Parkinson’s cost Americans about $52 billion, much of it falling on families through out-of-pocket care and lost income.
How to Prepare Financially: Build a Retirement Plan That’s Ready for the Future
These numbers are scary—but the good news is, there are real steps you can take now to protect yourself. A strong financial plan can help you prepare for both expected and unexpected costs in retirement.
✅ Start Saving Early
The sooner you begin, the more time your savings have to grow with compound interest. Even small contributions can add up over time.
✅ Diversify Your Portfolio
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Spread your money across different investments like stocks, bonds, and real estate. This helps lower risk and create more stability for future income.
✅ Plan for Income, Not Just Accumulation
Make sure your retirement portfolio can provide consistent monthly income later in life. That might mean including income-producing assets like annuities, dividend-paying stocks, or real estate.
✅ Consider Long-Term Care Insurance
This can help cover the costs of home health care, assisted living, or nursing homes—costs that often aren’t covered by Medicare.
✅ Review and Adjust Your Plan
Life changes. So should your financial plan. Check in every year or after any major life events like a job change, illness, or big move.
Your Health Is Your Wealth: How to Stay Strong in Retirement
Retirement should be about more than just money. Your energy, independence, and mental clarity matter too. Here’s how to give yourself the best shot at a happy, healthy retirement.
🥗 Eat With Purpose
Nutrition has a big impact on brain and body health. Focus on:
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Leafy greens, berries, nuts, and fish (the MIND diet is a great place to start)
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Limiting sugar and processed foods
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Staying hydrated and watching your salt intake
🏋️ Stay Physically Active
Exercise helps with strength, balance, and mental sharpness. Aim for:
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150 minutes of moderate activity a week (like walking, swimming, pickleball)
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Strength training 2x per week
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Stretching or yoga to maintain flexibility
🧠 Keep Your Brain Busy
Mentally stimulating activities can help protect brain health. Try:
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Reading, puzzles, or learning a new skill
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Playing instruments or taking a class
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Socializing regularly with friends and family
💤 Prioritize Sleep
Poor sleep is linked to cognitive decline. Shoot for 7–9 hours per night and talk to your doctor if you have trouble falling or staying asleep.
😌 Manage Stress
Stress affects your body and brain. Use tools like:
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Deep breathing or meditation
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Regular physical activity
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Talking to a counselor or support group when needed
🩺 Be Your Own Medical Advocate
Stay involved in your care. Don’t be afraid to:
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Ask questions
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Get second opinions
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Research medications or treatments
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Bring someone with you to appointments
Be Proactive: Don’t Wait for a Diagnosis
Waiting until there’s a health scare is often too late. Smart retirees take steps now to reduce their risks, stay independent, and prepare for the unexpected.
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Know Your Family History: If Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s runs in your family, tell your doctor. You might also want to explore genetic testing.
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Stay Informed: Keep up with new research, early warning signs, and treatments.
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Support the Cause: Get involved in raising awareness or funding for research. These diseases affect everyone—directly or indirectly.
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Create a Care Plan: Talk with your spouse or adult children about what kind of care you’d want and how it would be paid for if you ever needed help.
Retirement Is About More Than Just Money. Planning for a successful retirement means preparing for both the financial and physical realities of aging. The rise of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s is real—but you’re not powerless. With smart planning, a healthy lifestyle, and a proactive attitude, you can protect your independence and live the kind of retirement you’ve always hoped for.
Start early. Stay active. Be informed. Your future self will thank you.