Alzheimer's awareness: 2011 Sobering Facts and Figures

The following is courtesy of Home Helpers of Lake Norman & Central NC. Visit our website at www.lknhomecare.com , or call us at 704.909.7958


 When it comes to Alzheimer's Disease, it's not just the person with the disease that suffers.  It's also their caregivers:

- In 2010, 14.9 million families or friends provided over 17 billion hours of unpaid care to Alzheimer's patients.
- The estimated cost of the unpaid care totaled over $202.6 billion in 2010.
- Over 60% of those caregivers report symptoms of stress or depression resulting from caring for an Alzheimer's sufferer.


 An item that is often forgotten about Alzheimer's:  It more than just memory loss.  It kills.
- Alzheimer's is the 6th leading cause of death in the US, and the 5th leading cause of death for those 65 and older.
- There is no know way at this time to prevent or cure Alzheimer's.
- Deaths from Alzheimer's increased 66% between 2000 & 2008.  Deaths from other major diseases (ie: breast cancer, stroke, prostate cancer, HIV), including heart disease decreased.


 The good news is that for 2011, there was over $12.8 million in funding granted to more than 70 investigative groups.  New information on the disease is forthcoming on a daily basis.  We'll continue to post information as it's available, so check back often.  Also, visit www.alz.org for more information.