The devastating toll of Alzheimer's disease on patients and caregivers: "the impact of the disease extends well beyond those who have it ... At least 70% of those stricken live at home, where their families provide 75% of the needed care".

• Author: Thies, William
• Position: Medicine & Health

AT THIS TIME OF YEAR, it is common to reflect on the occurrences of the previous 12 months and to contemplate the year ahead. However, think for a moment what it would be like if you could not remember any details of your life last year, and you did not have much to look forward to in the coming one. For the 4,000,000 Americans who suffer from Alzheimer's disease, this is reality. Alzheimer's is an equal opportunity disease; individuals from every race, sex, and walk of life are at risk for developing it. One out of every 10 people over the age of 65 and nearly half of those over 85 suffer from this debilitating malady.

First described by Alois Alzheimer in 1906, Alzheimer's disease (pronounced ALTS-hi-merz) is a fatal, progressive, degenerative condition. It attacks the brain, resulting in impaired memory, cognition, and behavior, and it is the most common form of dementia. The disease has a gradual onset, causing a person to forget recent events and experience difficulty performing familiar tasks. The rate at which it progresses varies, but the symptoms eventually include confusion, personality and behavior alterations, and impaired judgment. Communication becomes increasingly difficult as the affected person struggles to find the proper words, finish thoughts, or follow directions. Inevitably, patients will require 24-hour supervision, including assistance with daily activities such as eating, grooming, and toileting. Eventually, they will become totally incapable of an independent lifestyle. Those afflicted with Alzheimer's live an average of eight years, but can survive for 20 years or more from the onset of symptoms. Unless a cure or prevention is found, the number of individuals in the U.S. with Alzheimer's will jump to 14,000,000 by the year 2050. Worldwide, it is estimated that 22,000,000 will develop Alzheimer's disease by the year 2025.

The impact of the disease extends well beyond those who have it. Alzheimer's has a devastating effect on caregivers, too. At least 70% of those stricken live at home, where their families provide 75% of the needed care. Alzheimer's caregivers report high levels of emotional and physical stress and are twice as likely as noncaregivers to report physical and mental health complications. One in eight will become ill or injured as a direct result of caregiving, and one in three uses medication for caregiving-related difficulties. Depression among caregivers is three times the norm for people in their age group.

Alzheimer's disease also is taking its toll on America's pocketbooks. The cost of care, including payments for diagnosis, treatment, nursing home stays, and formal or paid nursing, is more than $100,000,000,000 each year. Alzheimer's disease costs American businesses and estimated $33,000,000,000 a year due to absenteeism of the caregivers involved. Seventy percent of caregivers contribute part of their...