New Hampshire Must Prepare for Emerging Epidemic

Bedford, NH (March 18, 2008) – The Alzheimer’s Association® estimates that 10 million baby boomers will develop Alzheimer’s disease in the United States, according to their new report released today, the 2008 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures.

The disease is poised to strike one out of eight baby boomers, according to the report.

“With seventy percent of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias living at home where friends and family take care of them, the disease not only touches the individual but entire families,” said Susan Antkowiak, Manager of the Association’s New Hampshire office.

Today, as many as 5.2 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease—19,000 of them in New Hampshire. Alzheimer’s is the seventh leading cause of death in the country and the fifth leading cause of death for those over age 65.  By 2010, the number of people in New Hampshire with Alzheimer’s is projected to rise to 22,000, a 16% increase.

In a state by state breakdown of the disease’s impact, the report shows that last year, in New Hampshire alone there were 41,000 family caregivers, providing 35.4 million hours of unpaid care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia valued at $374 million. 

According to the latest statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 2000-2005 death rates have declined for most major diseases -- heart disease (-8.6 percent), breast cancer (-.8 percent), prostate cancer (-4.9 percent) and stroke (-14.4 percent), while Alzheimer’s disease deaths continue to trend upward, increasing 45 percent during that period.

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research.  In New Hampshire, programs include a 24/7 Helpline, support groups, education offerings for families, and training for health care professionals.

NOTE: The full text of 2008 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures can be viewed here.