If you have a loved one or friend that suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, that question likely sparks a bit of fear in you. Rightly so too. I spend a lot of time reading about Alzheimer’s and dementia since our family is currently coping with the disease. There will more and more of us doing the same thing over the next decade.

In the articles I read, more and more reports are showing expected doubling–and more—of those who will be diagnosed with Alzheimers. Some reports speculate that as many as one million new cases a year are possible as baby boomers age.

That has made me think even more seriously about the disease. It makes me wonder how will the health system handle it, not to mention Medicare. As the number increases, the need for more facilities will become urgent, and many more caregivers as well. It takes a special heart to work with memory care patients. Those hearts may not be as easy to find.

When you consider that need, don’t forget that it’s called “The Long Goodbye.” People with Alzheimer’s have the disease (once diagnosed) for an average of eight years. Our mother is going into her fifteenth year. It is mind boggling to me to think of a million or so people a year needing care for a decade, added to those already in care. That will probably mean that more will have to be cared for at home. The stress of that is a very real concern.

We hear of pushes for increased funding. We should probably all be pushing for that goal. Right now, the government spends around $500 million a year on research for the disease. That is hardly anything when compared to the amount spent for cancer research—close to 5 billion! At the same time Alzheimer’s disease is already costing over $200 billion a year for care.

Don’t forget, the disease is one of the top five causes of death now. There is no cure. There is no effective treatment yet. There are a few drugs that may slow the early stages, but that is about it.

All the more reason a cure must be s priority–or at least a treatment.

All the more reason to do everything you can to prevent it now while you are younger. Even if you are a senior, there are steps suggested that will help. In the article you can read here , it shows you the areas to consider. In future articles I’ll break down the three main areas of exercise, diet, and mental stimulation.

If you would like to read further, you can visit http://alzheimershq.com. There you will find current news and my family’s personal story dealing with Alzheimers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Merry Citarella, often writing as Merrci, writes on a wide range of topics. Recently relocated to the Oregon Coast in the northwest United States, she frequently writes travel features on the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She specializes in health and aging, Alzheimer’s Disease, food, lifestyle, and book reviews. For more information you can see her on The Writers’Door. You can read more articles here or at her websites Alzheimers HQ and Simple Living Ideas