Alzheimer’s and Dementia: A Growing Epidemic

September 30, 2014

An estimated 5.2 million Americans have Alzheimer’s or related dementias. There is no treatment to prevent, slow, stop or reverse this progressive disease. Advanced age is the number one risk factor for Alzheimer’s. Consequently, the climb in average life expectancy also means an increase in the population of those most at risk for Alzheimer’s. According to the 2014 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, published annually by the Alzheimer’s Association, it is estimated that the number of American people aged 65 and older who are suffering from Alzheimer’s will grow by 40 percent to 7.1 million by 2025. By 2050, there could be as many as 16 million Americans with Alzheimer’s, which will cost upwards of $1.2 trillion in health care, long-term care and hospice care. People with Alzheimer’s disease live an average of four to eight years after diagnosis, although there have been cases where patients live 20 years or more. The emotional, physical and financial effects on family and caregivers can be severe. Alzheimer’s is one of the costliest chronic diseases to the country. Total costs of caring for Americans with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is expected to reach $214 billion this year, with Medicare and Medicaid covering $150 billion and out-of-pocket expenses reaching $36 billion.  The purpose of the Genius of Marian film and the Genius of Caring web community is simple: to reach out to the ever growing number of people affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. We are not alone.