- National Report: Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures (PDF)
- Frequently Asked QuestionsAlzheimer's disease (pronounced
Alz'-hi-merz) is a progressive, degenerative disease that attacks
the brain and results in impaired memory, thinking and behavior. It
was first described by Dr. Alois Alzheimer in 1906 and has been
diagnosed in millions of people ever since.
Statistics Relating to Alzheimer's
Disease
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Approximately 5.1 million Americans have AD with an estimated 100,000 living in Washington State.
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One in 8 persons over 65 and nearly half of those over 85 have AD. The Alzheimer's Association estimates there are approximately 500,000 Americans younger than 65 with Alzheimer's or another dementia.
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By 2050, the number of individuals 65 and over with Alzheimer's could range from 11 million to 16 million unless science finds a way to prevent of effectively treat the disease.
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A person with AD will live an average of eight years, but can live 20 years or longer from the onset of symptoms.
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Direct and indirect cost of Alzheimer's and other dementias amount to more that $148 billion annually.
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Alzheimer's disease "costs" American businesses approximately $61.1 billion a year. Roughly $36.5 billion is related to the costs of employee absenteeism, productivity loss, employee replacement by temporary or permanent means, and fees to continue insurance coverage for employees on leave. The additional $24.6 billion is related to the companies' share of health care and medical research costs.
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More than 7 of 10 people with Alzheimer's disease live at home. Almost 75% of the home care is provided by family and friends. The remainder is "paid" care costing an average of $19,000 per year. Families pay almost all of these expenses themselves.
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Half of all nursing home residents suffer from AD or a related disorder. The average cost for nursing home care is $42,000 per year, but can exceed $70,000 per year in some areas of the country.
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The average lifetime cost per patient is $174,000.
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The Alzheimer's Association has awarded over $200 million dollars in research grants.
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