Over 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and by 2050, the number is projected to soar to 16 million, according to a new report released today from the Alzheimer’s Association
As the number of people increases so will costs of health care. In 2014, $214 billion will be spent on health care, long-term care and hospice. In 2050, the cost is projected to be $1.2 trillion.
Right now it is still hard to treat Alzheimer’s and there is no cure. It’s a disease many are affected by, more women than men. Women over 65 have a 1 in 6 chance of developing Alzheimer’s and men of similar age have a 1 in 11 chance of developing the disease. And African-Americans are about twice as likely as whites to have Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
Excerpted from a recent NBC News report by Dr. Nancy Snyderman on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams.
Great post!