Alzheimer’s: By the Number

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative condition that results in a decline in memory or other thinking skills that affects a person’s ability to perform everyday activities.  Alzheimer’s has no cure and currently affects more than 5 million Americans — and that number is growing. Here are some statistics according to Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org

1. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.
2. More than 5 million people are currently living with the disease.
3. One in nine people aged 65 and over has Alzheimer’s.
4. One in three seniors will die with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
5. In 2015, more than 15 million caregivers provided 18.1 billion hours of unpaid care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementia.
6. Every 66 seconds, someone in the U.S. develops Alzheimer’s.
7. Alzheimer’s kills more people than breast and prostate cancer combined.
8. Family caregivers spend more than $5,000 per year caring for someone with Alzheimer’s.
9. More than 28 percent of care contributors are more likely to struggle with having enough money for proper meals than those not providing care.
10. This year alone, the cost of health care in the U.S. for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias will be $236 billion.
11. More than 60 percent of people in their 70s who have Alzheimer’s are expected to die before reaching the age of 80, compared to 30 percent of those without Alzheimer’s.

 

Help in caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s is available in different forms, such as forums, support groups, educational programs and safety tools. Approved Home Health has aides available who have received specialized training in caring for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and can provide care that allows clients to remain in the home while offering relief to primary caregivers. Call today for your complimentary in-home nursing assessment at 941-870-8740.