Silver Book

Silver Book Fact

In the year before a person’s death, half of family caregivers of someone with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia reported spending at least 46 hours per week providing care–59% of these caregivers felt that they were “on duty” 24-hours a day.

Schulz R, Mendelsohn A, Haley W, et al. End-of-Life Care and the Effects of Bereavement on Family Caregivers of Persons with Dementia. N Engl J Med. 2003; 349(20): 1936-42. http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract/349/20/1936

Reference

Title
End-of-Life Care and the Effects of Bereavement on Family Caregivers of Persons with Dementia
Publication
N Engl J Med
Publication Date
2003
Authors
Schulz R, Mendelsohn A, Haley W, et al
Volume & Issue
Volume 349, Issue 20
Pages
1936-42
URL
Read Full Resource

Categories

  • Cost of Disease
  • Human Burden

Related Facts

  • In 2004, Alzheimer’s moved from the eigth leading cause of death to the seventh–overtaking influenza and pneumonia.  
  • At least 50% of elderly residents of assisted living facilities have Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.  
  • In 2007, the value of care provided by unpaid caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias was $89 billion.  
  • Average out-of-pocket spending over a five year period for those with dementia was $61,522 compared to $34,068 for those
    Average out-of-pocket spending over a five year period for those with dementia was $61,522 compared to $34,068 for those without dementia.  
  • Between 2005 and 2010, total health care spending for people with dementia was more than $287,000 per person, nearly 60
    Between 2005 and 2010, total health care spending for people with dementia was more than $287,000 per person, nearly 60% percent greater than costs associated with death from other diseases, such as cancer…