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.