Megan Brooks

Megan Brooks is a freelance writer for Medscape.

From Medscape Medical News > Neurology

Burden of Alzheimer's Disease High and Growing: Report

Megan Brooks

March 15, 2011 — Up to 5.4 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's disease, a number that is expected to climb to as many as 16 million by 2050, according to the 2011 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report.

Released today by the nonprofit Alzheimer's Association, the updated report notes that Alzheimer's disease is now the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and the only one among the top 10 that currently cannot be prevented, cured, or even slowed.

Caregiver Burden High

In their annual report, the Alzheimer's Association makes special note of the effect the disease has on caregivers. They estimate that there are now close to 15 million Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers in the United States, providing 17 billion hours of unpaid care valued at more than $202 billion.

People 65 years and older with Alzheimer's disease survive an average of 4 to 8 years after diagnosis, with some living as long as 20 years after diagnosis, which can exact a tremendous physical, emotional, and financial toll on family and friends.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than 60% of caregivers rate the emotional stress of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia as high or very high and 33% have signs of depression. The physical health of caregivers may also suffer, adding to the nation's healthcare bill. Alzheimer's disease and dementia caregivers had nearly $8 billion in increased healthcare costs in 2010, the Alzheimer's Association reports.

Alzheimer's disease doesn't just affect those with it. It invades families and the lives of everyone around them.

"Alzheimer's disease doesn't just affect those with it. It invades families and the lives of everyone around them," Harry Johns, president and chief executive officer of the Alzheimer's Association, noted in a prepared statement.

A Costly Disease

The Association estimates that total payments for health and long-term care services for people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias will reach $183 billion in 2011, which is $11 billion more than in 2010.

Medicare and Medicaid costs will make up most of this increase. By 2050, Medicare costs for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias will increase nearly 600%, and the increase in Medicaid costs will near 400%.

"The projected rise in Alzheimer's incidence will become an enormous balloon payment for the nation — a payment that will exceed $1 trillion dollars by 2050," warns Robert Egge, vice president for public policy for the Alzheimer's Association. "It is clear our government must make a smart commitment in order make these costs unnecessary."

The Alzheimer's Association Facts and Figures report is based on a comprehensive compilation of national statistics and information on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Its inaugural issue was released in 2007.

The full text of the 2011 edition is available online. It is also published in the March 2011 issue of Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association.