Press Release Summary: While raising awareness through an international event like World Alzheimer’s Day is important, so is the need for prevention of this terrible disease. The U.S. alone spends at least $100 billion dollars on Alzheimer's disease, yet there are at least 4 significant factors that can help prevent or minimize many cases.
Press Release Body: Tucson, AZ ( CalicorniaPressRelease ) - On September 21st, 2008 people everywhere participated in worldwide activities to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease.
An estimated 26 million people around the globe currently suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. And that number is expected to quadruple by 2050 due to an aging Baby Boomer population.
Those aren’t the only staggering Alzheimer’s disease numbers.
For example, according to the non-profit Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation (http://www.alzheimersprevention.org), the U.S. alone spends at least $100 billion per year on Alzheimer’s disease. Only cancer and heart disease cost more in terms of healthcare dollars.
The ARPF reports additional astounding Alzheimer’s disease statistics, including these:
• The average lifetime cost of a patient with Alzheimer’s disease is $174,000. • Those who care for an Alzheimer’s patient often do so out of their own pocket, costing them $15,000-$18,000 annually. • More than 7 out of 10 Alzheimer’s disease sufferers are cared for in their own home. And almost 75% of that care is done by friends and family. • For those who live in nursing homes, the costs are astronomical. An average yearly residency in a nursing home costs around $42,000. In some parts of the U.S., it can cost over $70,000. • Someone with Alzheimer’s disease can live up to 20 years with the symptoms.
These statistics show the tremendous financial and personal toll Alzheimer’s disease has on patients, caregivers, families, and communities everywhere. From these numbers the need for an international Alzheimer’s disease awareness day is apparent.
While raising awareness through an international event like World Alzheimer’s Day is important, so is the need for prevention of this terrible disease.
According to Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D., President and Medical Director of the ARPF, “Research is showing us that how we live our lives has a significant impact on whether or not we develop Alzheimer’s disease.”
The ARPF and Dr. Dharma believe there are 4 Pillars that are crucial to retaining a vital, vibrant mind. They are:
Dr. Dharma believes that by following a healthy diet and giving the body and mind plenty of exercise — along with supplements and pharmaceuticals — people can prevent many cases of Alzheimer’s disease.
“Memory loss is not a normal nor a natural part of aging. We don’t have to become forgetful as we get older. By taking a proactive and fully integrative approach to our lives, we can keep our minds sharp and agile as we grow older”, says Dr. Dharma.
To learn more about prevention, treatment and research on Alzheimer’s disease, visit the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation online at http://www.alzheimersprevention.org/.
The Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to making information available from conventional, holistic, and complementary medicine, to empower people to build healthy brains – information which will ultimately lead to the eradication of Alzheimer's disease. Free additional information can be found at http://www.alzheimersprevention.org
Contact information Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation 6300 E. El Dorado Plaza, Suite 400 Tucson, AZ 85715
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Web Site: http://www.alzheimersprevention.org
Contact Details: Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation 6300 E. El Dorado Plaza, Suite 400 Tucson, AZ 85715