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-Rapidly aging
baby boomer population impacts the future of Alzheimer’s-
Tulsa, Oklahoma,
November 4, 2010 – Starting January 1, 2011 baby boomers will turn
age 65 at a rate of 10,000 every day and 3.5 million a year. This “silver
tsunami” will combine with the insurmountable number of people
who are developing Alzheimer’s and crash into our nation’s
healthcare system with devastating effects.
With a rapidly aging
baby boomer population, Alzheimer's will continue to impact more lives.
From 2000-2006, Alzheimer's disease deaths increased by more than 46
percent, while the death rates in other major diseases declined significantly.
Strategic investments in other diseases have resulted in declined deaths
and the same level of investment needs to occur for Alzheimer's.
Nearly 11 million
caregivers provide care for people with Alzheimer’s disease or
other dementias – unpaid care valued at an additional $144 billion.
Given the magnitude and impact of Alzheimer’s disease and other
dementias, the U.S. federal government’s response to the crisis
has been stunningly neglectful.
“Right now
the highest legislative priority we have is the National Alzheimer’s
Project Act which would develop a coordinated federal strategic plan
to overcome Alzheimer’s disease in our nation by addressing research,
care and programs,” Oklahoma native and Alzheimer’s Association
National Board Member Jackie Kouri said. “Several other countries
including Australia, England and South Korea already have such a plan
and the U.S. is lagging behind.”
The Alzheimer’s
Association is hoping to change the course of this “silver tsunami”.
November marks National Alzheimer’s disease Awareness Month –
an ideal time when Oklahomans can sign up to be an Alzheimer's Advocate.
As an advocate individuals can be updated on advocacy issues, participate
in grassroots advocacy activities and receive action alerts when the
Alzheimer's Association needs you to contact your elected officials.
Visit alz.org, go to the Advocate section and click Join Us.
The Alzheimer’s
Association is the largest voluntary health organization in the country
with the dual mission of conquering Alzheimer’s disease through
research and enhancing care and support for people with the disease,
their families, and caregivers. The Association provides a 24-hour Helpline
(1-800-272-3900), support groups, education programs, care consultation,
information and referral, Safe Return (a national program to help find
people with dementia who become lost). For more information about Alzheimer’s
disease visit www.alz.org.
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