On March 30, the Alzheimer’s Association released its 2016 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report. This annual compilation of national statistics and information, which is the most-cited source covering issues related to Alzheimer’s and other dementias, provides an in-depth look at the increasing prevalence, incidence, mortality and economic impact of the disease.
In addition, 2016 Facts and Figures features a special report on how the costs of dementia impact care contributors — people who provide care or financial support to an individual with Alzheimer’s on an ongoing basis. The report reveals that:
- Care contributors were 28 percent more likely to eat less or go hungry.
- One-fifth of care contributors sacrificed their own medical care by cutting back on doctor visits.
- Nearly half of care contributors cut back on their own expenses to afford dementia-related care for their family member or friend.
- More than one-third of care contributors lost income as a result of having to reduce their work hours or stop working altogether in order to meet caregiving demands.
