New report reveals impact of alzheimer’s disease in Iowa

According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s® newly released 2010 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, there are 5.3 million Americans living with  Alzheimer’s disease, including 69,000 in Iowa alone.  The number of Iowans with Alzheimer’s disease is expected to rise to 77,000 by 2025. 

 Carol Sipfle, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Iowa Chapter, said  “This report shows that Alzheimer’s is a significant threat not only for the nation – but also for the people of Iowa, because of Iowa’s high percentage of residents over age 65, the state must prepare to deal with this growing public health problem.”

With family members providing care at home for about 70 percent of people with Alzheimer’s disease, the ripple effects of Alzheimer’s disease can be felt throughout the affected person’s entire family.

According to Facts and Figures, in 2009, nearly 11 million Alzheimer caregivers in the U.S. provided 12.5 billion hours of unpaid care valued at $144 billion.

In Iowa alone, 106,474 caregivers, provided 121,252,735 hours of unpaid care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia valued at 1,394,406,454 dollars.

The new report also reveals that more than 40 percent of family and other unpaid Alzheimer and dementia caregivers rate the emotional stress of caregiving as high or very high, compared with 28 percent of caregivers of other older

Sipfle said,” The 2010 Facts and Figures report shows the significant impact of Alzheimer’s disease – on the individual, the family, and state and federal government.  The report underscores the need for all states to plan for the growing number and urgent service needs of these people,”  “The Alzheimer’s Association urges policymakers in Iowa to work together ensuring collaboration of public and private organizations concerned about Alzheimer’s disease to efficiently impact this growing public health problem.”

Despite these sobering facts about Alzheimer’s disease, early detection, diagnosis and intervention are vital because each provides individuals the best opportunities for treatment, support and planning for their future which can improve the quality of life for individuals with dementia.

 “We know many families miss the warning signs or mistakenly assume symptoms are a normal part of aging,” said Sipfle.  “We urge concerned family members to be familiar with the warning signs of Alzheimer’s and take action to receive a diagnosis from a qualified medical professional.”

The Alzheimer’s Association offers programs and services to help individuals impacted by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, including information and referral, educational programs, support groups, care consultation and safety services.  The Association also trains professional caregivers and advocates for increase funding of Alzheimer’s research.