Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The growing number of older adults with dementia could have implications for their family members, many of whom will be called upon to provide care. METHODS: Leveraging the familial design of the 2021 Panel Study of Income Dynamics, we estimate dementia prevalence among older adults, their households, immediate families, and extended families. RESULTS: About 21% of adults ages 65 and older have dementia. About 26% of both households and immediate families with an adult age 65 and older include an individual with dementia. This figure rises to 37% among extended families of older adults. Among those with older adults, less-educated households and families have higher dementia rates than do more-educated ones; extended families with racial/ethnic minorities have higher dementia rates than do their non-Hispanic White counterparts. DISCUSSION: Nearly four in 10 extended families of older adults include someone with dementia, potentially placing family members at risk of becoming caregivers. HIGHLIGHTS: We provide the first national estimates of dementia in extended families. About 26% of immediate families with an older adult include someone with dementia. Nearly four in 10 extended families of older adults include someone with dementia. Findings have implications for targeting care-related supports to families.