1 in 3 seniors die with Alzheimer's or another Dementia - ABC 12 – WJRT – Flint, MI

(03/19/13) - Alarming statistics from the Alzheimer's Association. Tuesday, the organization released a report stating one in three older adults have dementia when they die. The numbers are creating some concern about the spread of the disease and the cost of care.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than 5 million Americans are living with some form of dementia now. Alzheimer's is a disease that attacks the brain. It is the most common form of dementia,  the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and the only leading cause of death with no known cures, prevention methods, or ways to slow its progression.
     
The new report states that deaths from heart disease, HIV and stroke are all seeing significant declines, but Alzheimer's deaths continue to rise. It's news that is costly for our nation's health care system and government programs. According to the Alzheimer's Association, the cost for health and long term care services will total $203 billion this year. In about 40 years, that amount could grow to $1.2 trillion.

"We need people to take action. We need people to let their legislatures know that Alzheimer's disease needs to be a national priority. We of course need funding for research. We need people to enroll in clinic trials, second to a lack of funding, the biggest obstacle we face is a lack of participants in trials," said Betty O'Neill of the Alzheimer's Association.

Generally, dementia affects people in their mid-60s, but people in their 30s and 40s have also been diagnosed with the illness. If you think you might be at risk, or if you have been experiencing some serious memory problems, confusion, or difficulty completing familiar task, it's best to contact your doctor or the Alzheimer's Association.

For more information, call the Alzheimer's help line at 1-800-272-3900 or click here.