Dementia: Most Costly Malady

"Cancer and heart disease are bigger killers, but Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia are the most expensive malady in the U.S., costing families and society $157 billion to $215 billion a year." Rand Corporation

Those of who are caregivers are well aware of how costly dementia care is.  The prescriptions alone average about $5000 a year for us, and that is with prescription insurance.  Then there is the cost of whatever care the caregiver puts in place to give her or himself respite.  $20 an hour and up.  The Rand Corporation has figured what the cost is in lost wages for those caregivers who give up income to care for the family member, and that cost is $41,000 to $50,000 a year for every dementia case.  The direct cost of dementia from medicine to nursing homes is $109 billion a year, more than either cancer or heart disease.   I give credit to you, fellow caregivers, for handling the most expensive medical diagnosis of our day, and for doing it with dignity.  May life reward you richly.