The impact of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease not only affects the patients but also the patient’s family. Almost one out of three households in the Figure 1.1 Alois Alzheimer (pictured here) is the German neurologist who is credited with discovering Alzheimer’s disease.

Defining Alzheimer’s Disease
United States is affected by AD. A little over half of the care provided to AD patients is at home; some estimates place the care at home closer to 75% (Figure 1.2). The combination of healthcare expenses and the loss of income of both the patient and the caregiver is approaching $100 billion nationwide. The Figure 1.2 Almost one out of three households in the United States is affected by Alzheimer’s disease. An estimated 75% of Alzheimer’s patients receive home care.

Over half of the nursing home residents in the United States have AD or some other form of dementia. The annual cost of caring for an AD patient ranges from $18,400 for mild symptoms to $36,132 for those with advanced symptoms. In addition, the average cost of nursing home care is almost $58,000 a year. Medicare and most health insurance plans do not cover the care of an AD patient since it is considered "custodial care".

Caregivers are a subset of the Alzheimer’s picture that is often overlooked. Stress and depression are reported frequently among caregivers: depression affects approximately 50% of caregivers, with stress occurring in at least 80%. Not surprisingly, the emotional, financial, and sometimes physical burden of witnessing a loved one decline mentally and physically is often overwhelming.