Letter to the editor: New report reveals impact of Alzheimer's disease in Pa.
The Alzheimer’s Association’s 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report reveals alarming trends demanding urgent attention. With the number of Americans affected by Alzheimer’s steadily rising, the impact on individuals, families and the health care system is profound.
An estimated 6.9 million Americans ages 65 and older have Alzheimer’s. In Pennsylvania alone, 282,100 people were living with the disease as of 2020.
The financial burden is projected at $360 billion nationwide, with 465,000 Pennsylvania caregivers contributing 822 million hours of care valued at $13.6 billion, facing their own health challenges.
Compounding these challenges is a shortage of dementia care specialists and direct care workers. Pennsylvania faces critical shortages in health care professionals trained to support individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
It’s clear that comprehensive solutions are needed to address this crisis. Initiatives to increase funding for research, support caregiver respite programs and expand access to dementia care specialists are essential.
As a society, we must prioritize action to confront the growing impact of Alzheimer’s disease. The future well-being of millions of Americans depends on our collective response to this urgent public health crisis.
View the full report at alz.org/facts and find support through the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.
Sara Murphy
South Side
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