The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. The organization is dedicated to finding prevention methods, treatments and an eventual cure for the disease. Alzheimer's is a disease of the brain and the most common form of dementia. It destroys brain cells, causing problems with memory, thinking and behavior. There are as many as 5.2 million Americans living with Alzheimer's and in 2050, that number is projected to reach a staggering 16 million.
- Every 71 seconds an American develops Alzheimer's jumping to 33 seconds by mid-century.
- 1:6 women and 1:10 men reaching age 55 can expect to develop Alzheimer's in their lifetime.
- From 2000-2005, deaths attributed to Alzheimer's disease increased by 45%. In comparison during the same years, deaths from other major illnesses all decreased: heart disease by 8.6%; breast cancer by .8%; prostate cancer by 4.9%; and stroke by 14.4%.
- More than $148 billion is spent annually caring for those with Alzheimer's and other dementia, including the direct costs related to Medicare and Medicaid and the indirect costs to businesses.
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