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Alzheimer's Association Releases State Wide Survey Results

Chicago, IL – July 8, 2014 – According to the 2014 State of Illinois Alzheimer’s Disease Annual Survey, fewer than five percent of respondents thought Illinois is doing enough to address Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Illinois Chapter says despite its soaring prevalence, Alzheimer’s disease is still largely misunderstood. The misconceptions about the disease are not just a global issue, but a local one according to the 2014 State of Illinois Alzheimer’s Disease Survey.

 

This is the second consecutive year the Greater Illinois Chapter administered the survey, and the chapter saw increased participation by 58% compared to last year’s survey. A total of 1161 people responded to the 2014 survey with responses coming from 61 different Illinois counties. At least 44 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer’s Disease or another related dementia, including 210,000 in Illinois. 

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In its efforts to make Illinois a dementia capable state, the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter asked if people were familiar with the programs Illinois has to offer. For the past two years fewer than half of the survey respondents were familiar with programs and services offered by the state for individuals with Alzheimer’s and their families.

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As for Alzheimer’s care, nearly 86% of respondents felt that the state of Illinois should spend more money funding programs that provide Alzheimer’s care. Fewer than 8% felt the amount of Illinois spending is just right, and less than 1% thought the state should spend less money on Alzheimer’s care. In fact, 81% of respondents thought the state of Illinois should provide tax credits for the purchase of long-term care insurance. Less than 11% of respondents felt that there were adequate services they could afford available for those with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia afford in their area.

 

More than half of the respondents stated that their parents have Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, that number is expected to rise as time goes on. The number of people who have Alzheimer's in Illinois is expected to rise from current levels of 210,000 to 260,000 by the year 2050.  “Illinois needs to have a strong, coordinated response to the needs of individuals with dementia,” says Erna Colborn, President and CEO of the Greater Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. “The results will guide the Alzheimer’s Association and others when making recommendations to Illinois legislators and state agencies regarding Illinois’ response to the growing health crisis of Alzheimer’s disease.”

 

For a complete breakdown of the 2014 Alzheimer’s Disease State Plan Survey and other resources, visit our website at www.alz.org/Illinois.

 

About the Alzheimer’s Association®

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org® or call 800.272.3900.

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