Upcoming Events The Mann Foundation's
Past Events |
The Mann Foundation: Finding Answers For The Future What Is Alzheimer’s Disease? Alzheimer’s disease is chronic; it slowly robs its victims of their ability to control emotions, practice complex reasoning, recognize patterns and use judgment. It progresses slowly by stages, from early mild forgetfulness to severe dementia. It ultimately affects speech and many people completely lose their ability to communicate. During the earliest or mild stage of the disease, classic symptoms include impaired memory, such as trouble remembering names, faulty judgment and mood swings. As communication skills become increasingly compromised, individuals forget how to do such everyday tasks as bathing, dressing or eating. As the illness progresses to the middle or moderate stage, mild paranoia and inappropriate behavior is often displayed. During the late stages of the disorder, the patient typically loses all memory and mental functioning. Ambulatory functions are impaired, as are language abilities and reasoning. Assistance with all aspects of daily living is required. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease doubles every five years after the age of 65. One in 10 Americans have family members afflicted with the disease and one in three knows someone who has it. Depending upon the age when first afflicted, a person with Alzheimer’s disease can live for up to 20 years. Obviously, the impact on family and friends is staggering, both emotionally and financially. Clearly, with our aging population, we must immediately step-up the research that’s being conducted, which requires an increase in funds. The Costs Of Alzheimer’s Disease More than 7 out of 10 people with Alzheimer’s are living at home where their loved ones provide 75 percent of the care. The remainder of the treatment is “paid care,” averaging $12,500 per year – almost all of which is paid out of pocket by the families. By 2010, Medicare costs for people with Alzheimer’s are expected to increase from $31.9 billion in 2000 to $49.3 billion. Medicaid expenditures for residential dementia care will increase 80 percent, skyrocketing from the current $18.2 billion today to $33 billion in 2010 – less than five years. In New York City, The Mann Foundation is aligned with two of the leading organizations in research and funding: the Mount Sinai Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA). The vital work being produced through these fine organizations gives us all hope and assurance that someday soon there will be a cure. Now is the time to support their efforts. Page 1 | 2
|
