Random morning, pre-work thought……….. in Arizona, we’re going back and forth about SB1070, a bill that would allow law enforcement to ask an individual for his or her documents proving that he or she should be in the country LEGALLY. A big brewhaha.

But this got me thinking…… as people fret over the bill and the resources spent on illegals who use services for citizens or legal residents, I started thinking about the FINANCIAL toll dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is going to take at the federal, state and local levels… you think your state has problems now?

STATS:

With a rapidly aging baby boomer population, Alzheimer’s will continue to impact more lives.

There are about 10.9 million UNPAID caregivers.

To date, $172 BILLION in annual costs.

10 million baby boomers will develop Alzheimer’s in their lifetime. Imagine everyone in Manhattan PLUS another 2 million developing the disease…. there’s your 10 mil………

This is not a short term disease. You don’t die within a matter of months…. Once diagnosed, you could live for 10 years or longer… most caregivers or FAMILY shoulder the brunt of the responsibility. This amounts to time off work. Doctor’s visits. medication that is not fully covered. Home health aids. The toll on the caregiver is devastating. Stress. Illness. Something to ponder as we worry about the little things………