The Facts about Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s isn’t something to fool around with. The facts surrounding this disease are concerning, especially for individuals approaching the age of onset. It is currently estimated by the Alzheimer’s Association that there are 5.4 million people in the United States who have been diagnosed with this disease. They expect the number to grow to 16 million by 2050 unless a cure or effective treatment is found.

Currently there are 15 million caregivers providing around-the-clock or intermittent care to Alzheimer’s patients in the United States. Alzheimer’s is the 6^th leading cause of death and it cannot be prevented.

The costs associated with Alzheimer’s are astounding. It was estimated that in 2012, Americans spent over $200 billion in care, treatment and other costs associated with this disease.

Alzheimer’s can rapidly decrease a person’s ability to think, take care of themselves or even communicate effectively. Most individuals require special, long-term care that family members cannot keep up with.

What You Can Do

While you can’t prevent Alzheimer’s, you can protect yourself in the future. Consider setting up an estate plan to protect yourself and your loved ones. Medicaid planning can ensure you have adequate coverage for an unexpected diagnosis. Since there is no cure, you’ll need assistance as the disease progresses and your expenses will worsen as it progresses too. Accurate Medicaid planning can predict these rising costs and ensure your care needs today and long-term are forecasted and protected.