Dementia passes Cancer and heart disease as most expensive medical condition

Alzheimer's the most expensive

The average cost of dealing with a family member with Alzheimer’s or some form of dementia is now at $51,000 yearly.

Overall, the New England Journal of Medicine says Americans spent around $215 billion on dementia in 2010.

The biggest part of that cost, around 84%, is said to be long term care such as a nursing home or care of a patient in their residence.

Some estimates indicate that the cost of medical issues that have to do with age will cost each American nearly 80% more by 2040.

One of the biggest factors in the growth of dementia is an aging population.

Researchers say more insurance for long-term care or drug breakthroughs would be the most help in the fight.

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