This report on Alzheimer's disease was written at the request of several committees of the United States Senate and House of Representatives. It begins with a brief overview of Alzheimer's disease and other disorders causing dementia and gives actual and projected figures on the incidence of such disorders in the United States. The goals of public policy related to dementia are explained and federal policy priorities, reasons for the increased interest in dementia, and policy interest in dementia are discussed. A section defining dementia presents symptoms of dementia and lists disorders that may cause dementia. The course of the dementia-causing illnesses is traced. The magnitude of the problem of dementia is considered, with sections looking at the prevalence of dementia and the costs of dementia, including overall costs; costs of diagnosis, drugs and medical services, nursing home care, and informal long-term care; and costs to the government. A section on coordinating services for those with dementia considers the care system; presents an inventory of services; and examines senior, acute care, long-term care, social, and mental health services. Groups of special concern are identified, including those without families, minorities, those experiencing dementia onset in middle age, rural populations, veterans, low income groups, and caregivers. Policy issues are considered in the areas of: (1) special programs for dementia; (2) diagnosis and treatment; (3) legal and ethical concerns; (4) education and training; (5) delivery of long-term care; (6) biomedical research; and (7) health services research. (NB)