Many older adults view Alzheimer’s as a cause for anxiety, especially since this disease, a brain disorder that affects memory, thinking and reasoning skills, is connected to aging.
According to the Alzheimer’s Associations 2009 report, nearly 5.3 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease; most develop symptoms after age 60. This number is expected to double within 20 years. In fact, 50% of those currently 85 and older will probably succumb to Alzheimer’s or other related dementia conditions. Total healthcare costs are three times higher for Americans with Alzheimer’s and other dementia than for other people age 65+, putting a financial burden on both families and programs.