New Alzheimer's report cites cost, impact to families

The number of people living with Alzheimer's disease in Florida has grown to 520,000 ? the second-highest prevalence in the country. The greater North Florida area has approximately 31,000 people living with Alzheimer's.

For the first time, total payments for caring for individuals living with Alzheimer's or other dementias exceeded a quarter-trillion dollars ($259 billion), according to findings from the 2017 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report. The report was issued in March by the Alzheimer's Association, according to a news release.

Alzheimer's deaths nearly doubled over the past 14 years. Now, in Florida, there are slightly more than 520,000 people living with Alzheimer's ? the second-highest in prevalence for the disease in the country.

Alzheimer's prevalence increases

Although deaths from other major causes have decreased, new data from the report shows that deaths from Alzheimer's disease have increased significantly. Between 2000 and 2014, deaths from heart disease decreased 14 percent, while deaths from Alzheimer's disease have increased 89 percent. Alzheimer's disease is becoming a more common form of death and, barring the development of any medical breakthroughs, shows no signs of slowing down.

Increased burden on caregivers

More than 15 million Americans provide unpaid care, such as physical, emotional and financial support, for the estimated 5.5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's dementia. In 2016, Alzheimer's caregivers provided an estimated 18.2 billion hours of unpaid care, which the report valued at $230.1 billion.

The Facts and Figures report also found that the strain of caregiving produces serious physical and mental-health consequences. For instance, more than 1 of 3 (35 percent) caregivers for people with Alzheimer's or another dementia report that their health has gotten worse due to care responsibilities, compared to 1 out of 5 (19 percent) caregivers for older people without dementia. Also, depression and anxiety are more common among dementia caregivers than among people providing care for individuals with certain other conditions. More than 1.1 million unpaid caregivers provide care in Florida.

Women at the epicenter

These contributions disproportionately come from women, who make up two-thirds of Alzheimer's caregivers.

New findings highlighted in the report show that of dementia caregivers providing care for more than 40 hours a week, 69 percent are women. More specifically, more than one-third of dementia caregivers are daughters.

Soaring cost and mortality

The Facts and Figures report provides an in-depth look at the latest national statistics and information on Alzheimer's prevalence, incidence, use and costs of care, caregiving and mortality. Every 66 seconds, someone in the U.S. develops Alzheimer's dementia. By mid-century, someone in the U.S. will develop the disease every 33 seconds.

Findings in the report show that, for the first time, total annual payments for health care, long-term care and hospice care for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias have surpassed a quarter of a trillion dollars ($259 billion). Additionally, despite support from Medicare, Medicaid and other sources of financial assistance, individuals with Alzheimer's or other dementias still incur high out-of-pocket costs. The average per-person out-of-pocket costs for seniors with Alzheimer's and other dementias are almost five times higher than average per-person payments for seniors without these conditions ($10,315 versus $2,232).

Cost of paid and unpaid care

? Total national cost of caring for those with Alzheimer's and other dementias is estimated at $259 billion (excludes unpaid caregiving), of which $175 billion is the cost to Medicare and Medicaid.

? In Florida, the report estimated total Medicaid costs for people with dementia age 65 or older at $2.3 billion for 2017. In the next eight years, that figure is expected to increase 46.9 percent.

"The Alzheimer's Association offers many education programs, support services and resources to all of our local families in need," said chapter CEO Kay Redington. "An extremely valuable resource is the free 24/7 Helpline manned by dementia specialists day and night. If there are questions or concerns, 1-800-272-3900 is the number to call ? specialists are always available, and help is offered in 27 languages."

The Alzheimer's Association 2017 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report can be viewed at alz.org. The report will also appear in the April 2017 issue of Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association. The report is a comprehensive compilation of national statistics and information on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and includes the impact of Alzheimer's on individuals, families, government and the nation's health-care system.

For more information, visit the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org or call the 24/7 helpline at (800) 272-3900.