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Lyle Bass received an early Alzheimer's diagnosis and has taken steps to improve his overall health and future care.
Alzheimer's Association of Greater IndianaA new report finds Alzheimer’s deaths in Indiana are on the rise as well as related costs.
A special part of the annual 2018 Alzheimer’s Facts and Figures report analyzes the personal and financial savings that an early diagnosis can bring.
Lyle Bass was diagnosed in 2016 and immediately reached out to the Alzheimer’s Association.
"The three things they asked you to do was take stress off yourself, eat right and exercise," says Bass.
The 76-year-old has lost 50 pounds. He dances, does puzzles and has made a long-term plan for his care.
Steps like these can result in significant cost savings says Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Indiana program director Denise Saxman.
"Especially when we talk about the Medicare and Medicaid systems because that’s the provider of care for most adults," says Saxman.
The report estimates Indiana Medicaid spending on Alzheimer’s care this year will top $980 million.
A new look at Indiana Alzheimer’s numbers shows in 2015 at least 2,513 Hoosiers died from the disease, a 14 percent increase from the previous year. Saxman says about 110,000 Hoosiers live with the disease and likely more.
"You know we don’t have a good reporting system for Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnosis so it probably is a little under reported," say Saxman.
The report indicates the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease is expected to rise 18 percent by 2025.
Someone develops Alzheimer’s disease every 65 seconds
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