It’s hard to believe that it has been just over a year since we welcomed Dementia Care Specialists to the CPI family.

I recently read the new report published by the Alzheimer’s Association, Changing the Trajectory of Alzheimer’s Disease: A National Imperative, and was shocked to read some of the statistics.

The numbers are astounding.

It made me realize that now, more than ever, dementia training is becoming indispensable for those who care for individuals affected by this disease.

According to the report, there are currently 5,000,000 Americans over age 65 living with Alzheimer’s, and by 2050 that number will jump to 16 million, with no plan in place to address this crisis. It is expected that the total costs for care of Americans over age 65 with the disease will increase five times by 2050, to over $1 trillion per year. The total care costs for over the next 40 years will exceed $20 trillion!

Optimistically, the report breaks down several scenarios that could potentially decrease these high numbers. For example, if a treatment breakthrough found to slow the progression of the disease is discovered within five years, the number of individuals in advanced stages of the disease would be significantly lower at any given time. This will make individuals easier to care for and cost less. So while we wait for a “ray of hope” in treatment, CPI will continue to build out services to this important group of individuals.

On our one year anniversary it’s clear that training from Dementia Care Specialists helps transform staff capabilities and quality of care. As a result, persons with dementia experience a higher quality of life, caregivers find more job satisfaction, and providers improve their business results.

We’re excited to do our part during this stunning demographic reality.