Alaska
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Support Critical Funding for People with Dementia and Their Caregivers
Over 33,000 Alaskans are providing unpaid care to loved ones with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia thus enabling a large portion of Alaskans living with dementia in Alaska to live in the community, instead of moving into more costly residential long-term care. Respite care provides a much-needed break for family caregivers. Alaska home and community-based services including Adult Day Services, Senior In-Home Services including respite care, and Alzheimer’s Education and Support are critical lifelines to support people with dementia and their families. While the upcoming budget will be tight, it is critical that legislators protect these programs from any cuts to support family caregivers.
Alaska State Plan Overview
In 2011, the Alaska Commission on Aging initiated the state planning process. With collaboration from other state agencies, community organizations, mental health professionals, and long-term care providers, the Commission formed a core team responsible for drafting Alaska's response to Alzheimer's. After collecting public input, Alaska's Roadmap to Address Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias was published in December 2014.
Alaska State Advocacy Day
Join our virtual Advocacy Day at the Alaska State Legislature. Advocacy Day 2021 is scheduled for early February. Sign up to meet with your elected officials and share your story!
Sign Up to Learn More About Advocacy Opportunities in Alaska
State Affairs Contact Elizabeth Bolling | 9076174352 | [email protected]
Number of People Aged 65 and Older With Alzheimer's by Age
| Year | 65-74 | 75-84 | 85+ | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2,000 | 4,000 | 3,000 | 9,000 |
| 2025 | 2,000 | 5,000 | 4,000 | 11,000 |
Percentage change from 2020
Medicaid
$76
MILLION
Medicaid costs of caring for people with Alzheimer's (2020)
44.6%
change in costs from 2020 to 2025
Medicare
$24,801
per capita Medicare spending on people with dementia (in 2019 dollars)
HOSPICE (2017)
#
of people in hospice have a primary diagnosis of dementia
of people in hospice with a primary diagnosis of dementia
Geriatricians
Number of geriatricians in 2019
increase needed to meet Alzheimer's population needs in 2050
Hospitals (2017)
#
of emergency department visits per 1,000 people with dementia
dementia patient hospital readmission rate
increase in emergency deparment visits since 2007
Caregiving
Number of Caregivers
Total Hours of Unpaid Care
Total Value of Unpaid Care
Number of Deaths from Alzheimer's Disease (2018)
| 131 | total deaths in Alaska | |
| 179% | increase in Alzheimer's deaths since 2000 |
For more information, view the 2020 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report at alz.org/facts.
U.S. Statistics
Over 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, and as many as 13.8 million will have the disease in 2050. The cost of caring for those with Alzheimer's and other dementias is estimated to total $305 billion in 2020, increasing to $1.1 trillion (in today's dollars) by mid-century. Nearly 1 in 3 seniors who dies each year has Alzheimer's or another dementia.