Alzheimer’s Disease
- Accounts for up to 70% of all dementias
- Chronic, gradual, and progressive memory loss
- Accompanying symptoms:
- Aphasia (language disturbance)
- Apraxia (motor function disturbance)
- Agnosia (inability to recognize / identify objects)
- Disturbance in executive function (higher level cognitive skills)
- “Moving backwards in time”
- Early onset ranges from 30-60
- Late onset is 65 and older
What we know about Dementia
- Irreversible
- No known cure
- Progressive
- It is not a normal part of aging
- It affects more than just memory loss
- Different for every individual
- Collection of signs and symptoms – not a specific disease
RECOGNIZING DEMENTIA
- Confusion/Disorientation
- Trouble with names/addresses
- Requests the same information repeatedly
- Inappropriate responses to simple questions/no response
- Dressed inappropriately for the season or occasion
- Difficulty with communication and vocabulary
- Poor judgement
- Mood changes
- Social isolation
REPORTED BARRIERS OF DAILY LIVING
- Lack of Confidence
- Worried about becoming confused
- Fear of getting lost
- Physical health issues
- Fear of being a burden on others
- Mobility difficulties
Dementia Statistics
- In the US, an estimated 5.8 million individuals are living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, and experts estimate that number to rise to 13.8 million by 2050 for those 65 and older.
- The Western and Southeastern regions of the US are expected to experience the largest percentage increases between 2018 and 2025.
- On average, someone is diagnosed with dementia every 65 seconds in the US, and every 3 seconds globally.
- It is estimated that 1 in 6 women, and 1 in 10 men, who live past the age of 55 will develop dementia in their lifetime.
- 8% of older adults with dementia receive no help; half live alone.
- 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or other dementias accounting for more deaths than prostate cancer and breast cancer combined. It is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States, as well as Alabama.
- In 2019, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the US $290 billion; that number could rise to as high as $1.1 trillion by 2050. Early and accurate diagnosis could save up to $7.9 trillion in medical and care costs.
- It is commonly found in individuals 65+. There is also early onset Alzheimer’s which is diagnosed before the age of 65.
IMPACT ON THE CAREGIVER
- In the 2014 Alzheimer’s Association poll, 41% of caregivers who provide care to a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementias reported that no one else provided unpaid assistance.
- 16 million Americans provide an estimated 18.5 billion hours of unpaid care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. The estimated value of this unpaid care is over $234 billion.
- Approximately one-quarter of caregivers are “sandwich generation” caregiver meaning they are also caring for an individual under the age of 18.
PERCEPTION SHIFT ON DEMENTIA
- We can create a community where all are included and understood, where those living with dementia can experience a sense of belonging.
- Providing those living with dementia the opportunity to express themselves is a critical piece to building and sustaining a dementia-friendly community.