HBO Alzheimer's Project / Harris Interactive Census
Examining the Impact of Alzheimer's Disease in AmericaMore than half of Americans report that they have been touched by someone (living or deceased) who has Alzheimer's Disease, and roughly a third of Americans are worried about getting Alzheimer's.The majority of Americans have a poor understanding of the fatal and progressive brain disease and the extent of its impact on individuals and society. These are among the key findings of the HBO ALZHEIMER'S PROJECT/HARRIS INTERACTIVE CENSUS, a new survey that reveals the impact of Alzheimer's, what Americans think about the disease, and how it has affected them, their relatives and friends.The survey found that:
54% of the U.S. population, or more than 100 million people, has been touched in some way by Alzheimer's.More than half (52%) of those surveyed reported knowing someone living with the disease or someone who had it, but is now deceased.2% self29% other relative21% friend18% parent / in-law11% neighbor4% co-worker2% sibling1% spouse / partnerSupporting someone with Alzheimer's is costly, in terms of money, time and emotional support.Of those who know someone living with the disease, three out of ten (31%) provide some level of support for the Alzheimer's patient. Of those providing support, the vast majority (88%) provide emotional support, while more than half (52%) provide caregiving. More than one person in ten is providing financial support, at an average of more than $400 a month.