Alzheimer’s impacts organizations and communities, devastating the basic unit of our society — the family — with domino effect. I don’t know anyone who does not know/know of someone who is battling this disease.
Alzheimer’s changes “life as you know it” for both its victim and his/her family. In many cases, the family dynamic shifts, with the Alzheimer’s sufferer becoming the core surrounded by his/her shield of caring protectors. Previous family dynamics intensify, as relatives participate to the extent that they can or will. Strife and resentments can ensue as relatives compare and judge each other for doing too much or not enough. This disease can undo families or gorilla glue them solidly for the future. One thing is certain — Alzheimer’s leaves no one untouched.
Now for the stats… In 2017 alone, it is estimated that 16.1 million family members and friends spent about 18.4 billion hours providing their loved ones unpaid care that had an economic value of over $232 billion. Of this population, 86 percent had been providing this care for four or more years.
Ten percent of the population over 65 are currently afflicted — that’s 5.7 million people, which is expected to almost triple to 14 million by 2050. Additionally, for those who have reached age 65, the likelihood of exhibiting symptoms doubles every five years.
But let’s be clear — this is not just a conversation about seniors. Five percent of the Alzheimer’s population (about 200,000) is under the age of 65. These folks exhibit symptoms in their 30s, 40s and 50s. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, by the time symptoms are exhibited, the disease has already been at work in the body for 25 years.
Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Of the top ten causes, it is the only one that cannot be prevented, slowed down or cured. While its toll surpasses that of breast and prostate cancers combined, research remains grossly underfunded.
In 2016, the cost for treating this disease was approximately $236 billion. This year, the spend is projected to be $277 million — and as the afflicted population expands, the costs are expected to exceed $1.1 trillion by 2050.
Sounds gloomy, right? Well, there is hope. The Alzheimer’s Association states that “early and accurate diagnosis” has the potential of saving $7.9 trillion in medical and caregiver costs.
It’s time to put some skin in the game — check out Bill Gates’ strategy — he’s definitely onto something.
https://www.gatesnotes.com/Health/A-better-way-of-diagnosing-Alzheimers
Dad's Pal Al... 