Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease characterized by a loss of memory and cognition, a decline in ability to perform activities of daily living, and changes in personality and behavior. The increasing severity of symptoms over time ultimately leaves the patient completely dependent on others for care.

• Approximately 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease. In a national survey, 19 million Americans said they had a family member with Alzheimer's and 37 million said they knew someone with Alzheimer's . The number of cases is expected to increase to as many as 16 million by 2050.
  
  
• Alzheimer's disease is the eighth leading cause of death in the United States and the fourth leading cause of death, due to disease, for people over the age of 65.
  
  
• 10 percent of people ages 65-74 and nearly half of those over 85 have Alzheimer's disease.
  
  
• The incidence of Alzheimer's disease is about the same for all races, but women are more likely than men to develop the disease, in part because they live longer.
  
  
• A person with Alzheimer's disease will live an average of 8-10 years and as many as 20 years or more from onset of symptoms.
  
  
• U.S. society spends at least $100 billion a year on Alzheimer's disease, making it the third most expensive disease in the United States, after heart disease and cancer. Neither Medicare nor most private health insurance covers the long term care most patients need.
  
  
• More than 7 of 10 people with Alzheimer's disease live at home. Almost 75% of home care is provided by family and friends.
  
  
• It is estimated that caregivers spend 60 to 100 hours per week and $15,000 to $18,000 annually, out of pocket, on the care of a patient with Alzheimer's disease.
  
  
• Half of all nursing home residents suffer Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder. The average cost for nursing home care is $42,000 per year, but can exceed $70,000 in some areas of the country.
  
  
• Three out of five people needing care are cared for at home.
  
  
• The average lifetime cost per patient is $174,000.
  
  
• Alzheimer's disease is NOT a normal part of aging.

Alzheimer's disease is already one of the most costly diseases in the world. With increasing life expectancies and the aging baby-boom generation, Alzheimer's will be a major public health issue for decades to come.

As the 21^st century unfolds, the Alzheimer's Research & Prevention Foundation enters the millennium with an even more energetic dedication to our mission of eradicating Alzheimer's disease and empowering individuals to improve and maintain the health of their brains.