Facts about Alzheimer's Disease

FACT: Alzheimer's Disease is the fourth leading cause of death affecting more than four million Americans.

FACT: Unless a cure or means of prevention is found, more than 14 million Americans will be afflicted by the middle of the next century.

FACT: Currently more than 40,000 Nebraskans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.* By the year 2000, the number of those diagnosed will rise to 77,000 - enough to fill Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska.

FACT: An estimated 50 percent of the population over age 85 are affected by Alzheimer's Disease, and 10 percent of the population over age 65 are affected.

FACT: More than 50 percent of nursing home residents have Alzheimer's Disease or a related disorder. Annual cost of care ranges from $25,000 to $35,000 annually.*

FACT: There are currently 12,463 Nebraskans with Alzheimer's Disease in nursing facilities.* A person with Alzheimer's Disease can live from three to 20 years or more from the onset of symptoms.

FACT: More than $373 million is spent in Nebraska on the care of individuals with Alzheimer's Disease in nursing facilities annually.*

FACT: An average of $18,000 is spent annually to care for an individual with Alzheimer's Disease in the home. Total amount spent in Nebraska: $596 million per year.*

FACT: One third of the caregivers of individuals with dementia are employed either full-time or part-time outside of the home.

*Based on 1990 census figures.

For further information about Alzheimer's Disease or related disorders, contact the Alzheimer's Association at:

Alzheimer's Association of the Great Plains, 402-420-2540 or 1-800-487-2585 (Helpline)
Midlands Chapter , 402-502-4301 or 1-800-272-3900 (Helpline)

Content for this site is provided by the Alzheimer's Association of the Great Plains (formerly Lincoln/Greater Nebraska Chapter) of the Alzheimer's Association. Questions or comments are invited. Contact Teresa.Stitcher-Fritz@alz.org or call toll-free, 1-800-487-2585.