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June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, get out there and get informed about this very serious disease. Indeed, Alzheimer’s is a major public health issue, not only here in the United States, but also world wide.

The fact is, that dementia and Alzheimer’s can hit anyone as they approach old age. The most vulnerable years start from the age of 60 and on up.

Everyone who has a brain is at risk to develop Alzheimer’s, and incredibly, it is the only leading cause of death for which there is currently no cure. Moreover, it is an illness that cannot be prevented or even slowed. The prognosis is terminal.

June: Alzheimer’s Grim Statistics

• Worldwide, nearly 44 million people have Alzheimer’s or a related dementia.
• Only 1-in-4 people with Alzheimer’s disease have been diagnosed.
• Alzheimer’s is least prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa. (Alzheimer’s Disease International)

The cost of care is astronomical. Consider these statistics:

• In 2016, 15.9 million family caregivers provided an estimated 18.2 billion hours and $230 billion to people with dementia.
• In 2017, Alzheimer’s cost the United States $259 billion.
• By 2050, costs associated with dementia could be as much as $1.1 trillion.
• The global cost of Alzheimer’s and dementia is estimated to be $605 billion, which is equivalent to 1% of the entire world’s gross domestic product.
• Aggregate Cost of Care by Payer for Americans Age 65 and Older with Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias: Medicare $113 Billion, Medicaid $41 Billion,  Out of Pocket $44 Billion, Other $29 Billion.

June: Alzheimer’s in the United States

• Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States.
• Alzheimer’s is the only disease in the 10 leading causes of deaths in the United States that cannot be cured, prevented or slowed.
• 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s.
• Between 2017 and 2025 every state is expected to see at least a 14% rise in the prevalence of Alzheimer’s.
• There has been an 89% increase in deaths due to Alzheimer’s between 2000 and 2014.
• More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s.
• By 2050, it’s estimated there will be as many as 16 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s.
• Every 66 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s.
• 1 in 3 seniors dies with some form of dementia.

Get Involved

During the month of June,  wear Purple.

The Alzheimer’s Association, asks for your support in raising awareness of Alzheimer’s disease during the month of June by participating in their Go Purple in June campaign.

For example, they suggest that you can show your advocacy and promote your efforts via your social media channels.

Go ahead and host a Purple with a Purpose Event, and show your love on The Longest Day, June 21, for someone living with Alzheimer’s.

Or you can organize a Walk to End Alzheimer’s event in your neighborhood. Be sure to wear purple on a designated day in June, just to let the world know!  And best of all, you can promote your event through the Alzheimer’s organization just by sending a photo of your activity.

Send it to rmcgill@alz.org and they will cross promote your efforts to #ENDALZ through their social
media channels. Join them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @alzheimersSEWI.