As the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease worsen, both patient care and caregiver costs rise dramatically, suggesting that treatment to slow progression of the degenerative brain disease may help lower costs.

The UCLA research, showed that for a six-month period, costs associated with Alzheimer's could rise to more than $30,000 per patient, depending on severity of symptoms.

The researchers found that, as Alzheimer's disease progresses, the cost to society increases and those costs included the direct health care costs as well as lost productivity of caregivers.

For the six-month period examined, health care costs totaled approximately $20,000 for a high functioning patient -- someone recently diagnosed who has memory loss, but is still able to conduct some activities of daily life.

For patients with severe dementia, the study found that health care costs rose to approximately $35,000 during the same period.

Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia, is one of the most costly disorders among the elderly. The number of sufferers in the United States is expected to grow from 4 million to 14 million over the next half century.

The UCLA study was based on a national survey of caregivers representing 1,700 Alzheimer's patients who are not in institutions or nursing homes.

The research was funded by Janssen Pharmaceutica Products, a unit of Johnson & Johnson Inc. and the maker of Reminyl.

If you look at overall costs regardless of severity of symptoms, the cost of direct care for patients, going to the hospital, visiting physicians, is about $3,000. The cost to caregivers is about ten times greater, about $26,000. That's cost translated into missed days at work and hours spent per week caring for patients.

In addition to early treatment, more help for caregivers may also help control the costs of Alzheimer's. According to the study, caregivers spent an average of 85 hours a week caring for patients.

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society February 2002

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Alzheimer's is a terrible and devastating disease. Anytime someone loses brain function, we are talking about a very serious problem. This is one of the reasons why autism is also similarly problematic. Alzheimer's is expected to triple over the next generation so this will be a huge problem and believe me, it is far far easier to prevent than to treat. I find it interesting that this study was funded by a drug company to bring greater awareness to the problem, so they could offer their drug-based solution. Anyone who has read this newsletter for some time is familiar with the concept that, it does very little good to address chronic health problems with drug or surgical solutions. Fortunately, with Alzheimer's we do have some options. Exercise is a very potent way to ward off Alzheimer's. Previous research showed, the odds of developing Alzheimer's were nearly quadrupled in people who were less active during their leisure time, between the ages of 20 and 60, compared with their peers. That is one of the reasons why I have been exercising for the last 34 years and, God willing, hope to continue for another 50. Getting the mercury amalgams out of your teeth is another effective strategy along with avoiding aluminum -- these are the classic recommendations. Following the eating plan and eating plenty of fresh vegetables with high folate levels. The key to the treatment of Alzheimer's is to make sure you never get it. So just how do you prevent Alzheimer's? Avoid and remove mercury Avoid aluminum, such as in antiperspirants, cookware, etc. Exercise for 3-5 hours per week Eat 15-20 pounds of vegetables per week Avoid flu vaccinations Related Articles: Alzheimer's Epidemic is Coming Aluminum in Water May Increase Alzheimer's Risk