The ABCs of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain and the most common form of dementia. Here are facts and figures:

* About 4 million Americans have it.

* Fourteen million Americans will have it by the middle of the 21st century unless a cure or prevention is found.

* One in 10 people older than 65 and nearly half of those older than 85 have it. A small percentage of people in their 30s and 40s get the disease.

* A person with Alzheimer’s will live an average of eight years and as many as 20 years or more from the onset of symptoms.

* U.S. society spends at least $100 billion a year on the disease.

* More than seven of 10 people with Alzheimer’s live at home. Almost 75% of the home care is provided by family and friends. The remainder is paid care that costs an average of $12,500 a year. Families pay almost all of that amount out of pocket.

* Half of all nursing-home residents have Alzheimer’s or a related disorder. The average yearly cost for nursing-home care is $42,000 but can exceed $70,000.

* The average lifetime cost per patient is $174,000.

Source: Alzheimer’s Assn.