Alzheimer’s Disease Growing at Alarming Rate in U.S.

March 22nd, 2007

Since the last estimate five years ago from the Alzheimer’s Association, another 10% increase in the disease has occurred in this country. More than 5 million Americans are now living with Alzheimer’s. By the year 2030, some 7.7 million may be affected.

This alarming trend is expected to accelerate, as baby boomers begin turning 65 in 2011. The largest risk factor is age. Currently, 1 in 8 persons over age 65 has the mind-destroying disease. Over age 85, almost half have Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia.

While small drops in the death rates from heart disease and cancer make headlines, Alzheimer’s-related deaths have increased by 33%. Even more disturbing is the trend toward early-onset Alzheimer’s. The disease in those under age 65 is vastly underreported and is often difficult to recognize in its early stages, before full-scale memory problems are involved.

Despite years of research, the causes of Alzheimer’s progressive brain deterioration are still largely unknown, and there is no cure. Medications on the market only temporarily alleviate symptoms. The disease that gradually robs memories and the ability to provide self-care eventually kills Alzheimer’s sufferers.

Medicare spends nearly three times as much for dementia patients’ care as is does on the average beneficiary — $13,207 a year for Alzheimer’s patients compared to $4,454 annually for others. Medicare expenditures do not add in the expense of families and friends proving round-the-clock care, as most Alzheimer’s patients live at home. However, a new report indicates that close to $83 billion is spent annually on nursing home costs for patients in advanced stages of the disease.

Nine drugs for Alzheimer’s are in the final stages of clinical trials. If some of these drugs are successful in slowing or delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms by even a few years, millions of dollars could be saved in health care costs in future decades. The toll in human suffering could also be greatly alleviated. Experiencing “the long good-bye” in those you love can be excruciating.

Source:  Yahoo News

Entry Filed under: Alzheimer's,SENIORS HEALTH