Everyone has heard of Alzheimer’s disease, but many people assume it is confined to a small percentage of the oldest old. In reality, this is a misconception.
The Alzheimer’s Association is a great source of information about this terrible disease. According to research that they cite, approximately 10 percent of all seniors have contracted Alzheimer’s, and the number goes up to 32 percent for people 85 years of age and older.
As of 2021, 6 billion people have Alzheimer’s, and the number is expected to grow to 13 million by 2050. This is because the population is aging due to the maturation of the baby boomer generation.
These are some attention-getting statistics, and Alzheimer’s is not the only cause of dementia.
Aside from memory loss, are there any other symptoms?
In addition to memory loss and forgetfulness, there can be a general sense of disorientation, and some patients are delusional. They can lose their math skills and ability to reason, and some people with Alzheimer’s cannot recognize commonly used items.
There can be behavioral and mood changes as well. These would include anger, depression, irritability, aggression, and the inability to attend to their ordinary personal care needs.
How many people provide unpaid care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease?
The answer to this question underscores the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on the people who are close to the sufferers. Over 11 million individuals are providing unpaid assistance, and this level of professional care would cost over $250 billion.
Is there any other government program that will help with Alzheimer’s care?
Fortunately, the answer is yes. Medicaid will pay for a stay in a nursing home, and there is a Medicaid waiver that will cover in-home care provided by a professional health aide.