Frightening Facts and Figures

The 2012 Alzheimer's Association "Facts and Figures" report was just released this morning. The facts and the figures are disturbing indeed, with serious implications for individuals and for the nation. Of course, even the staggering statistics cannot fully reflect the human toll of this scourge on patients, caregivers and families.

Take a look at these numbers:

Currently an estimated 5.4 million Americans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. The number is projected to rise to 16 million by 2050, unless a cure or preventative treatment is found.

In Florida, by 2025 it is estimated there will be close to 600,000 people over the age of 65 with Alzheimer's - a 64% increase over the year 2000.

At present there are 15 million Americans acting as caregivers to Alzheimer's patients.

Alzheimer's Disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.

Alzheimer's Disease is the only cause of death among the top ten that cannot be prevented or cured.

In 2012, the costs of caring for the Alzheimer's patients in our country is estimated at $200 BILLION, which includes $140 BILLION in Medicare and Medicaid costs.

Read the entire report and sign a petition calling on the federal government to commit resources to the fight against Alzheimer's Disease.

For information on where to turn when a loved one with Alzheimer's Disease needs long-term nursing care, click here.