Alzheimer’s Facts and Figures:

 • As many as 5.2 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s.

• 10 million baby boomers will develop Alzheimer's in their lifetime.

• Every 71 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer’s.

• Alzheimer's is the seventh-leading cause of death.

• The direct and indirect costs of Alzheimer's and other dementias to Medicare, Medicaid and businesses amount to more than $148 billion each year.

These are just a few of the facts from the new report, 2008 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. The report is a comprehensive statistical abstract of U.S. data on Alzheimer’s.  The full report is listed below under “Resources”. 

Dementia is a medical word that is used when damage to the brain has occurred.  Four changes occur with dementia, which affect a person’s ability to carry out daily activities. 

They include the following:

1. Memory Loss

2. Changes in Speech

3. Changes in Actions, such as hitting and wandering

4. Changes in ability to take of oneself, such as dressing and bathing

  Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia.  Initially it affects the brain that controls thoughts, memories and language. 

  Our Companions and Homemakers are trained to assist individuals with types of Dementia.  Upon hire, they are given extensive training on the Disease, Communication Strategies and Behavioral Management for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care.

  We provide ongoing services as well as respite services for caregivers or family members who need time for themselves.  It is important that those taking care of Dementia individuals take time for themselves so that they can continue to do the things that they like to do.  Caregivers need to take care of themselves by eating right, exercising and maintaining relationships with friends and family members.  Caregivers are at risk for the following feelings: 

• Sadness

• Frustration

• Stress

• Guilt

• Anger

• Grief

• Anxiety

  Our Elite employees treat every client with Compassion and provide Individualized Care.  We realize that no one person is the same and that they must be understood.   Our goal is for our clients to participate in reflection of the past and participate in activities of daily living at their level of capability.   

We want to help.  Please call us for additional information.

 RESOURCES

Alzheimer’s Association

24 Hour Helpline: 800-272-3900 (toll free)

Website: www.alz.org

Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center

www.alzheimers.org

Administration on Aging

www.aoa.gov

 2008 Alzheimer's Facts and Figures

www.alz.org/national/documents/report_alzfactsfigures2008.pdf