By Kelly Lawrence
Loss of memory, increased confusion, withdrawal from society, mood swings and difficulty carrying out daily functions are some of the disempowering symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. The emotional, mental and physical suffering caused by the illness is overwhelming enough without the added economic cost of treatment and care.
In an effort to shine light on the financial cost of dementia, the County of San Diego Heath and Human Services Agency recently released “The Economic Burden of Alzheimer’s Disease And Other Dementias In San Diego County.” The report presents statistical data that highlights just how devastating the disease can be on the individual, their loved ones and the community as a whole.
Approximately 60,000 San Diego residents were living with some form of dementia in 2012, and the number of residents is projected to increase by roughly 30 percent in the next five years. Despite how prevalent the disease is locally and nationally, not enough attention and financial assistance is being contributed towards the cause. Financial backing is important in funding research for a cure and is crucial in making sure there are adequate resources available to ease the process for those currently suffering from the disease.
Since it is the third leading cause of death in San Diego, the direct and indirect impact of Alzheimer’s and other dementia related diseases needs to be made a front-line political issue. Some of the major areas of financial concern are: community cost, hospitalization charges and caregiver cost.
As San Diego health agencies stand united in the search for a cure for Alzheimer’s, they strongly advocate that the local community get involved. Support on the local, state and federal level can be achieved through various levels of commitment. For starters, those interested in making an impact locally should begin by reading the report as the findings are concise and accurately depict the overall influence of the disease on the San Diego community.
Community members interested in awareness activities and fundraisers should look into Alzheimer’s Association sponsored events such as The Longest Day and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Another significant way community members can contribute towards progress is to stay informed on current legislation regarding the disease and by urging their representatives to contribute additional funding for related initiatives.
Alz.org helps an individual to get as personally involved as desired. The website provides a pre-written message to send to Congress that you can personalize if you if want or send as-is. The individual completes a few contact information boxes and then the website determines which corresponding representative your message will be sent to. The message is intended to grab the attention of Congress members by appealing to the logic that by investing in research now it will lessen the financial cost faced down the line.
The point is clear; Alzheimer’s is the most financially devastating disease in the country and Congress needs to act by increasing spending on Alzheimer’s research and resources.
Kelly Lawrence is a San Diego resident who is currently pursuing her masters degree in social work through the USC Virtual Academic Center with an emphasis on health and older adults.
