Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease Can Lead to Better Planning

The Alzheimer’s Association reports that 15 million Americans are now caring for a loved one with dementia

According to the recently released 2011 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures from the Alzheimer's Association, there are now nearly 15 million Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers in the United States. This report shows that there are far more Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers than previously believed. These individuals provided 17 billion hours of unpaid care valued at $202.6 billion. To put this in perspective, if Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers were the only residents of a single state, it would be the fifth largest state in the country.

Studies indicate that people 65 and older survive an average of four to eight years after a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, yet some live as long as 20 years. The prolonged duration of this disease often places increasingly intense demands on the millions of family members and friends who provide care to those with Alzheimer’s. Facts and Figures reveals that Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers have an increased potential to develop their own serious health issues. Those complications represent a financial burden of nearly $8 billion in increased healthcare costs.

"Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t just affect those with it. It invades families and the lives of everyone around them," said Harry Johns, president and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association. "It is stressful and heartbreaking to see someone you love trapped in a present where their past is fading and their future too frightening to contemplate. Nearly 15 million dedicated and committed family members and friends are living with this every day."

The escalating impact of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia

Today, an estimated 5.4 million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease. While the greatest risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease is age, Alzheimer’s is not normal aging. Alzheimer’s is the sixth-leading cause of death in the country and the only cause of death among the top ten in the United States that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed. Based on mortality data from 2000-2008, death rates have declined for most major diseases: heart disease (-13 percent), breast cancer (-3 percent), prostate cancer (-8 percent), stroke (-20 percent) and HIV/AIDS (-29). But deaths from Alzheimer’s disease have risen 66 percent during the same period.

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

Medicare and Medicaid costs will make up the majority of this increase. By 2050, Medicare costs for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias will increase nearly 600 percent, and Medicaid costs will soar almost 400 percent. “The projected rise in Alzheimer’s incidence will become an enormous balloon payment for the nation—a payment that will exceed $1 trillion by 2050," said Robert Egge, vice president for public policy of the Alzheimer’s Association. "It is clear our government must make a smart commitment in order to make these costs unnecessary."

Early detection offers the greatest hope

The 2011 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report also explores the issue of early detection and diagnosis. Alzheimer’s is a costly and often unrecognized problem in older adults. Increasing evidence suggests that early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and timely intervention are beneficial, both for people with the disease and their caregivers. Early detection allows for prompt evaluation and treatment of reversible or treatable causes of cognitive impairment. Experts also believe that early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and early interventions with improved therapies provide the greatest hope to delay or stop additional damage to the brain. It also allows the growing number of families affected by the disease the opportunity to consider which medical and nonmedical services are available, including the option of participating in clinical trials.

"For people affected by irreversible cognitive decline or dementia, a formal and documented diagnosis helps the individual and family explain and expect behaviors, and opens doors to vital care and support services," said Beth Kallmyer, the Alzheimer's Association's senior director of constituent services. "A diagnosis can help reduce the anxiety and emotional burden by opening access to valuable support services."

Source: The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Their mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Read the entire 2011 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report on the Alzheimer’s Association website.

Learn More

New developments in the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease have changed the way healthcare providers, family caregivers and patients think about living with dementia. Until recently, there was no definitive method to diagnose the disease during a person’s lifetime. But now, new techniques are revolutionizing our understanding of the disease. In the next issues of Caring Right at Home, we will look at some of the new tests and what they mean for patients and families.

To learn how home care can help those who suffer from Alzheimer's, visit the Right at Home website.