In our ongoing effort to maintain and strengthen Alzheimer's concern and awareness, today the Alzheimer's Association released its annual 2018 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report, a statistical resource for U.S. data related to Alzheimer's and other dementias.
The report details how the impact of Alzheimer's — both human and financial — is growing rapidly. Mortality from Alzheimer's continues to rise. From 2000 to 2015, the number of deaths from Alzheimer's increased by 123 percent while deaths from other major diseases decreased.
An accompanying special report titled, "Alzheimer's Disease: Financial and Personal Benefits of Early Diagnosis," highlights the important personal benefits of early diagnosis for individuals and families. It also highlights new economic modeling data indicating early diagnosis of Alzheimer's could save the nation as much as $7.9 trillion in health and long-term care expenditures. Click here to review the press release.
It's imperative we continue attacking the disease through a multi-dimensional approach that advances research while also improving support for families and caregivers. The 2018 Facts and Figures report will further:
Elevate Alzheimer's as a national health care priority.
Support our advances to increase federal funding for Alzheimer's research.
Help us fight for the preservation of strong Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Enable us to develop and enhance care and support programs for people living with dementia, their families and caregivers.
Because you are a leader of the cause, I encourage you to download the full report at alz.org/facts for the latest information related to the disease in support of our cause and to help advance concern and awareness.
Posted on behalf of Donna K Beal, MPH, MCHES
Vice President of Program Services and Advocacy
Alzheimer's Association California Central Chapter
