Sep 9, 2019   SOURCE: PR NewsWire

MEDIA ALERT - SPOKESPERSON AVAILABILITY - RE: Dr. Oz's Mother's Alzheimer's Diagnosis

The Alzheimer's Association appreciates the public disclosure Dr. Mehmet Oz made today about his mother's Alzheimer's disease diagnosis.

His transparency offers an opportunity to increase awareness and educate millions about this fatal and too common disease and its impact on families.

Alzheimer's Association spokespeople include scientists and care and support experts are available to offer insights and context for media covering this announcement, related issues and broader stories on Alzheimer's, including disease statistics, disclosure of a diagnosis and challenges families face in the wake of a diagnosis. Also:

    --  What to do if you suspect you or a loved one is having memory problems.
    --  Where to turn if you're having problems as a caregiver.

Alzheimer's Disease Fast Facts

    --  Today there are an estimated 5.8 million Americans living with
        Alzheimer's dementia. This number includes an estimated 5.6 million
        people age 65 and older and approximately 200,000 individuals under age
        65 who have younger-onset Alzheimer's.
    --  One in 10 people age 65 and older has Alzheimer's dementia.
    --  By 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer's dementia
        is projected to rise to nearly 14 million.
    --  Currently, more than 16 million family members and friends are serving
        as Alzheimer's caregivers. These caregivers provide an estimated 18.5
        million hours of unpaid care - valued at nearly $234 billion dollars.
    --  Alzheimer's is one of the most expensive diseases in America. In 2019,
        payments for caring for those with Alzheimer's and other dementias are
        projected to top a quarter of a trillion dollars ($290 billion). By
        2050, these costs will rise to $1.1 trillion dollars unless new
        treatments are advanced.
    --  The Alzheimer's Association has a 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) It is
        staffed by specialists and masters-level clinicians providing free
        support and guidance to individuals and families facing Alzheimer's and
        other dementias.

About the Alzheimer's Association(®
)The Alzheimer's Association is the 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 www.alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

CONTACT: Mike Lynch, Alzheimer's Association, 312.335.5710, mlynch@alz.org
 Alzheimer's Association Media Line, 312.335.4078, media@alz.org

SOURCE Alzheimer's Association