Generation Alzheimer’s: The Defining Disease of Baby Boomers.
This is one of the scary headlines I read recently about my generation. As baby boomers start turning 65, the numbers of people with Alzheimer’s will start growing in leaps and bounds with an estimated total of 10 million being affected. That’s twice as many as the current total of Americans with this disease.
This isn’t just another case of a narcissistic baby boomer. The costs will end up burdening all of us.
Costs of Alzheimer’s
The U.S. spends $172 billion annually caring for people with Alzheimer’s, but this is projected to be $1 trillion by 2050 without inflation built in due to the vast increase in cases. Half of this money comes from Medicare and accounts for more than one out of every six Medicare dollars.
The rest of the money comes from the patient or their families. Estates will be eaten up by the cost of care.
There’s also the cost of uncompensated care. Last year, friends and family provided 12.5 billion hours of unpaid care. This can go on for years and severely impacts the financial status of the caregivers and their health.
Fighting Alzheimer’s Disease
This is the only disease in the top 10 causes of death that doesn’t have any way to prevent, stop the progression or cure it. The government’s commitment to other diseases (cancer, heart disease, etc.) have led to significant breakthroughs and decreased rates of death.
It’s a tough time to ask for government funding, but this disease is going to have a significant impact financially in the next 40 years and it’s time to get proactive. In the future, baby boomers should be remembered for more than this devastating disease.
If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, visit the Alzheimer’s Association which is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
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Part of the reason for the increase is we are living longer. Long term care insurance is going to be critical. It should be part of everyone’s retirement planning.
Wow those are some startling facts there. Awhile back I was doing some research on the chemicals in the processed foods we buy at the grocery store. I found that many Doctors and health care people who have done studies recommend to steer clear of the chemical “Monosodium Glutamate”. They have linked this directly to Alzheimers Disease. It has a deteriorating affect on the brain receptors causing the disease. I think if more people did research on the chemicals in our foods they would be better off as well. That is a very informative and timely post you did…thanks.
I agree being proactive is the key to these and actually all diseases. Once the disease strikes the costs – both financially and in terms of life – grow exponentially. As of now there is not a known way to prevent Alzheimer’s but studies are under way to see if exercise may be helpful. http://uk.ibtimes.com/articles/127003/20110325/5-benefits-from-exercise-workout-fitness-healthy-lifestyle.htm
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