The Tampa Tribune has published an editorial article entitled “Editorial: Confronting Alzheimer's Horrors” (June 26, 2014). Provided below is a summary of the article from TBO.com.
Alzheimer’s Horrors
Gov. Rick Scott and state lawmakers launched an Alzheimer’s research program with $3 million available for research this year, however this represents just a fraction of what is needed to combat a disease that robs individuals of their memory and one that creates enormous hardships and expenses for family members.
Statistics show that one in 40 Floridians suffers from Alzheimer’s, the state currently holds 10% of the U.S total of 5.4 million individuals suffering from this disease. The number of Alzheimer cases in Florida is expected to grow 40% by the year 2025.
The cost in the state of Florida for dementia is estimated to be more than $15 billion. A study last year found that the cost range for dementia was from $157 billion to $215 billion a year, which is more than the costs of cancer or heart disease.
David Morgan, CEO of USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute in Tampa says “Alzheimer’s research is an investment that will save us from the growing astronomical costs of this disease on Florida’s families and the state’s economy.”
To read the full article go to "Editorial: Confronting Alzheimer's Horrors" from The Tampa Tribune.