By: AlfaBy mid-century, someone in the 65+ population will develop Alzheimer’s disease every 33 seconds, nearly doubling the current diagnosis rate. Providers nationwide have long been preparing for the influx of residents needing dementia-related care, including residences equipped with wander-prevention technology, special wellness programs, and more. The latest annual report from the Alzheimer’s Association, “2009 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures” says there are currently 5.3 million Americans living with the disease. The report also advocates for earlier diagnosis, which would translate into receiving better care.
Also included in the report:
- The majority of people with Alzheimer’s or dementia also have at least one other serious medication condition, according to the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice; 60 percent also have hypertension, 26 percent have coronary heart disease, 23 percent have diabetes, and 18 percent have osteoporosis.
- By 2025, the western states of Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Alaska will experience growth in the number of residents with Alzheimer’s of between 81 percent and 127 percent compared with 2000. Also by 2025, California and Florida, where more than 500,000 residents will have the disease, will lead the nation in volume.
