'Today, music icon Tony Bennett bravely shared that he is living with Alzheimer's disease. The news of Bennett's diagnosis is devastating for music fans around the world, but his transparency will also be meaningful for millions of individuals and families who are all too familiar with the crushing realities of Alzheimer's disease.
As you cover this new story, Alzheimer's Association experts in care and research are available to offer insights and context for media covering this announcement, including:
- Alzheimer's disease and other dementia
- Disease statistics
- Early warning signs and symptoms
- Approaching memory loss concerns
- Disclosure of a diagnosis
- Caregiving challenges
- Life in the wake of a diagnosis
According to the Alzheimer's Association 2020 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures Report…
- There are more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's dementia.
- One in 10 people age 65 and older has Alzheimer's dementia.
- By 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer's dementia is projected to rise to nearly 14 million.
- Currently, more than 16 million family members and friends are serving as Alzheimer's caregivers. These caregivers provide an estimated 18.6 million hours of unpaid care – valued at nearly $244 billion dollars.
- Alzheimer's is one of the most expensive diseases in America. In 2019, payments for caring for those with Alzheimer's and other dementias are projected to top a quarter of a trillion dollars ($305 billion). By 2050, these costs will rise to $1.1 trillion dollars unless new treatments are advanced.
- The Alzheimer's Association offers a number of resources online and on the phone – including a free 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) staffed by masters-level clinicians – wherever caregivers are most comfortable accessing information when they need it most.
About the Alzheimer's Association®
The Alzheimer's Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
