MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — The number of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease is expected to triple in the next few decades.

That’s the finding of a new study that’s topping today’s Health Watch.

The study predicts the number of seniors with the memory-robbing disease is going to skyrocket from about 5 million today to about 13.8 million in 2050.

“The baby boom generation is entering the retirement years and as they age we know the numbers of those with Alzheimer’s will increase dramatically,” said Robert Egge, VP of Public Policy, of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Researchers don’t know what causes alzheimer’s and there’s no cure.

Caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease costs about $200 billion a year, mostly through Medicaid and Medicare programs.

Experts say that number could increase to as much as $1 trillion by 2050 if nothing is done.