TUCSON, Ariz. — It's one of Arizona's fastest growing diseases and impacting about 140,000 people in the state. Alzheimer's is not ony an aging issue, according to the Alzheimer's Association, but also a public health crisis.
Data from the association shows by 2025, the number of people diagnosed is expected to increase by 42.9%.
That's why more than 100 volunteer advocates will be in Phoenix on Wednesday to meet with lawmakers. The group is expected to take part in nearly 60 meetings throughout the day to stress the importance of funding for research and accurate data to show the impact Alzheimer's has on families.
"We know that we have an aging population here in Arizona. Age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's. So it's really important for our lawmakers, our legislators, to know that these are not just numbers on paper. They impact people's lives as well," says Morgen Hartford from the Alzheimer's Association Desert Southwest Chapter.
Here in Pima County, about 20,000 people are living with the disease. And of those, a majority are being taken care of by loved ones. Hartford says there is a 3-to-1 ratio in patients to caregivers. Research shows in 2018, 339,000 family caregivers provided 386 million hours of unpaid care valued at $4.9 billion. That makes Alzheimer's disease the most expensive in the U.S., costing $290 billion.
Hartford says while age plays a role in Alzheimer's, it is not the only factor. He encourages families to seek medical help if they or a loved one is experiencing early signs and symptoms.
The Alzheimer's Association offers a 24/7 Helpline. You can call toll-free at 800-272-3900.
