Alzheimer's Disease takes an obvious toll on the fragile memories of our loved ones. We all know that. But this disease is often financially devastating as well. And many of the costs are hidden. Money lost in that period when dementia sets in but the family doesn't yet know there is a problem. And the disease becomes ever more expensive as dementia increases and the patient needs more care. A recent article in the Miami Herald gives us the hard numbers:

Alzheimer's disease takes a devastating emotional toll on families but it also is one of the most expensive conditions to treat because of its progressive nature, requiring increasing assistance with eating, bathing and other basic activities over up to 20 years. But financial planning at the disease's early stages can stretch available dollars and ensure that those afflicted with Alzheimer's receive the best care they and their families can afford.

The most challenging financial hit for patients and their families comes not from direct health-care costs but the increased need for assistance with just about every task of daily activity from getting dressed to using the bathroom as the disease progresses to its middle and late stages.

Because that care is not typically covered by government or private health plans, 8.5 billion hours of unpaid care valued at $94 billion was provided by almost 10 million family members and friends last year. Many cut work hours or even quit their job to help loved ones.

Read more at the Source:

Alzcare: Alzheimer's care in Texas. New Braunfels, Victoria, Waco, Temple, and San Marcus.