The Alzheimer’s Association has released a new report that estimates 10 million baby boomers will either die with, or become incapacitated of Alzheimer’s. Every day in America, 10 thousand baby boomers turn 65 and according to the report, one of eight of them can expect to be diagnosed with the mind-robbing disease. Over five million Americans have already become victims of Alzheimer’s, and that number is expected to rise in epic proportions as the baby boomers age.
The report goes on to explain the challenges and struggles experienced by the victims and their families, of this progressively cruel disease, and notes that the disease will yield “no survivors.”
Harry Johns, President and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association warned, “It is as much a thief as a killer. Alzheimer’s will darken the long-awaited retirement years of the one out of eight baby boomers who will develop it. Those who will care for these loved ones will witness, day by day, the progressive and relentless realities of this fatal disease. But we can still change that if we act now.”
An enormous toll will be taken on our society if the financial burden of Alzheimer’s is allowed to grow. It is projected that the disease will cost the nation $20 trillion dollars over the next forty years. Robert J. Egge, Vice President of Public Policy of the Alzheimer’s Association believes that if the government will commit to finding a cure for this disease, great strides can be gained.
He examples the research and progress made in the treatment of other diseases such as HIV, cancer, and heart disease and hopes that the government will give the same focus to Alzheimer’s. Without government funding and research, he fears that Americans will see the results as 16 million baby boomers contract the disease within the next four decades.
The Alzheimer’s Associations report was obtained by Alz.org and may viewed in its entirety.