Totowa/Marlton, N.J. – The Alzheimer’s Association Greater New Jersey Chapter has released new findings from the association’s 2018 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures Report, which reveals the ever-growing burden of Alzheimer’s and other dementia on people living with the disease, their families, caregivers and society at large. In New Jersey alone, the report indicates:

  • More than 180,000 residents of the Garden State have Alzheimer’s or other dementia – this is expected to rise by 16.7% by 2025
  • 453,000 caregivers are providing 516,000,000 hours of unpaid care annually valued at $6.517 billion
  • Total Medicaid costs among statewide residents age 65 and older exceed $2.011 billion – this is expected to rise by 27.7% by 2025

“The number of older Americans is growing rapidly and so too is the number of people living with Alzheimer’s,” said Robyn Kohn, M.A., director/programs for the Greater New Jersey Chapter. “The subsequent impact of Alzheimer’s and other dementia to the nation’s economy – from Medicare and Medicaid to lost time at work for unpaid caregivers – can no longer be overlooked.”

Kohn noted for the second consecutive year total payments to care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias will surpass a quarter of a trillion dollars ($277 billion), which includes an increase of nearly $20 billion from last year. The report notes by 2050, the total cost of care for Alzheimer’s is projected to increase to more than $1.1 trillion.

“Alzheimer’s and dementia also are having rippling effects on younger generations, namely adult-aged children and grandchildren, due to the long duration of this disease. The strain on Alzheimer’s caregivers can last several years and produce serious declines in caregiver physical, emotional and financial well-being,” she added.

According to the report, the difficulties associated with providing this level of care for New Jerseyans are estimated to have resulted in $325 million in higher healthcare costs for caregivers in 2017.

Mortality from Alzheimer’s disease also continues to be on the rise. While deaths from other major causes continue to decrease, new data from the report shows that deaths from Alzheimer’s disease have more than doubled nationally, increasing 123 percent between 2000 and 2015. “To offer context, the number of deaths from heart disease – the number one killer in America – decreased 11%,” explained Kohn, who noted In New Jersey, Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death.

Alzheimer’s Association Greater New Jersey Chapter is the leading voluntary not-for-profit health organization focused on Alzheimer’s care, support and research in the Garden State. The chapter, formed in 1980, has been operating seamlessly to help New Jersey residents in Central and Northern New Jersey to navigate every phase of Alzheimer’s and dementia. For information about local education and outreach programs or the 24/7 Helpline, call 973-534-1666 or visit www.alz.org/nj.

About 2018 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures

The Alzheimer’s Association 2018 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report is a comprehensive compilation of national statistics and information on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The report conveys the impact of Alzheimer’s on individuals, families, government and the nation’s health care system. Since its 2007 inaugural release, the report has become the preeminent source covering the broad spectrum of Alzheimer’s issues. The Facts and Figures report is an official publication of the Alzheimer’s Association.

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s®. Visit www.alz.org or call 800.272.3900.