For quick facts on caregiving, go to Second Opinion, Caregiver Burnout (Episode 507)

For quick facts on end-of-life planning, go to Second Opinion, End of Life (Episode 313)

These quick facts come from The Alzheimer's Association:

• Over 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease.  This includes:
• About 5 % of people over 65
• About 20 % of people over 80
• About 30 % of people over 90
  
• Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in adults. "Dementia" may be defined as loss of memory and intellect that interferes in routine personal, social or occupational activities.
  
• Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of the aging process.  It's a progressive disease that affects the brain and can result in:
• Loss of memory
• Changes in behavior
• Loss of ability to think and speak clearly
• Loss of ability to perform everyday tasks
  
• Women are more likely than men to develop Alzheimer's disease, but only because they live longer; there is no gender risk difference.
  
• More than seven out of 10 people with Alzheimer's live at home.
  
• Half of all nursing home residents have Alzheimer's or a related disorder.