A new report concludes the price tag from Alzheimer's disease will skyrocket over the next 25 years, particularly in Florida, home to the nation's fastest-growing over- 65 and over-85 populations.
The study prompted a new coalition of researchers, health care providers, business leaders and senior advocates to call for an "all-out push" to find a cure.
The new economic study released today documents a near doubling of Florida's costs due to Alzheimer's in the next 25 years, spurred in large part by the aging of Florida's population. An estimated one-tenth of all Alzheimer's patients live in Florida. While Florida's case is the most dramatic, the rest of the nation will experience growing costs, as well. The report was commissioned in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the discovery of Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease also takes a toll on businesses: Nationally, businesses spend at least $25 billion each year on health care for people with Alzheimer's and rack up $37 billion in lost productivity due to employees with caregiving responsibilities.
"America moves forward when its citizens and leaders set bold agendas and commit ourselves to working together to accomplish ambitious goals. That's how we put a man on the moon," said Dr. Huntington Potter, Ph.D., chief executive officer of the Byrd Alzheimer's Institute. "It's time to make eliminating the scourge of Alzheimer's a pressing, national priority."