Alzheimer Disease

Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia worldwide and is estimated to affect approximately 5.4 million people in the United States. It is projected that the number of cases will rise to as high as 16 million in the United States and > 100 million worldwide by 2050. 1 By 2050, it is predicted that someone will develop Alzheimer’s every 33 seconds. This is a devastating disease that robs a person’s memories, judgment, and independence. AD is creating an enormous strain in families, the health care system, and the federal budget. In the United States, it is the sixth leading cause of death and the only one of the top ten that does not have a means to prevent, cure, or slow its progression. The effect that AD has on public health and family is staggering. The care for people with Alzheimer’s will cost all payers, including Medicare, Medicaid, individual, private insurance, and HMOs, $20 trillion over the next 40 years. In 2011, 15.2 million family members and friends provided an estimated $210 billion dollars of unpaid care.

Originally published at www.pharmacytribune.com.