Today, on World Alzheimer’s Day, new data released estimates 35 million people worldwide – a 10% increase over 2005 – are living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, highlighting the urgent need for action and response. With 77 million American baby boomers reaching the age of greatest risk, it is clear that the crisis of dementia and Alzheimer’s cannot be ignored. Left unchecked, dementia and Alzheimer’s will impose enormous burdens on individuals, families, health care infrastructures and the worldwide economy. The impact is already being felt here in Florida, where 25% of our population is 65 or older. Individual families and senior living facilities are struggling to provide care to the growing number of people dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

According to the 2009 World Alzheimer Report, newly released today from Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), a London-based nonprofit, international federation, the number of people with Alzheimer’s or another dementia is expected to nearly double every 20 years, to 65.7 million in 2030 and 115.4 million in 2050.  It is estimated that there is a new case diagnosed every 70 seconds.

Much of the growth will be fueled by longer life spans and population growth, especially in developing nations.

“The number of people affected by Alzheimer’s is growing at a rapid rate, and the increasing personal costs will have significant impact on the world’s economies and health care systems. We must make the fight against Alzheimer’s a priority here in the United States and worldwide,” said Harry Johns, President and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association.

According to Johns, some other countries, like the U.K., have a national Alzheimer’s plan in place. But in the United States, federal spending on research for Alzheimer’s is far lower than some other diseases, like cancer and AIDS. And, there’s no national plan in place that deals with long-term care for people with dementia, as well as “care coordination” of the many different health-care professionals who are often needed to care for patients with Alzheimer’s.

Although there is no cure, experts say that patients who receive active, early medical care may be able to delay progression and experience a higher quality of life. Also, caregivers who receive supportive services early on are better able to manage their loved ones’ illness at home and reduce institutionalization.

The Alzheimer’s Association website provides this very interesting interactive tour that shows how Alzheimer’s affects the brain. Inside the Brain: An Interactive Tour.

If you are trying to find care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, many of the nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the Florida Senior Living Advisor database offer memory care services. Visit the individual websites or call for more information. Another option is in-home care, which I wrote about on this blog last week.

For this week’s Friday’s Featured Facility- a community that may represent a trend in senior living. Oak Hammock at the University of Florida in Gainesville is the only university-based retirement community in Florida and one of only a handful across the country. But these types of senior living facilities are attracting attention and popularity among boomers who appreciate the vibrant educational, cultural and social offerings that a university setting can offer.

Oak Hammock’s 136-acre facility is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), meaning it offers a range of options – everything from independent living to assisted living to memory care and skilled nursing. For a one-time entrance fee, ranging from  $147,500-over $500,000 – Oak Hammock residents are guaranteed long-term care at a significantly reduced rate. There are also monthly fees ranging from $1800-5000 to cover everything from utilities to social activities and some meals.
What makes Oak Hammock unique is its integration with the University of Florida. Star Bradbury, Director of Life Planning at Oak Hammock, told me that the community would not exist without the University. Oak Hammock’s board is appointment by UF’s president, and the school’s deans and staff provide input for the community’s activities. Among the benefits listed on Oak Hammock’s website are:

• Because our 22,000-sq.-ft. Fitness Center is affiliated with UF’s College of Health and Human Performance, attention has been paid to the smallest detail – from installing the right equipment to calibrating the ideal temperature for the swimming pools. 
• The College of Dentistry staffs an on-site, full-service dental hygienist suite.
• The College of Veterinary Medicine operates a Veterinary Clinic at Oak Hammock, providing routine wellness care. Pet sitting is also offered.
• The College of Fine Arts provides performance venues and schedules on-site recitals.
• The College of Medicine provides a Mini-Medical School series.
• The College of Pharmacy provides weekly consulting services with members
• Liberal Arts and Sciences presents educational programs in a wide range of disciplines.
• Oak Hammock members serve as mentors, lecturers and volunteers in the University’s many academic programs. 
• Because Oak Hammock is directly affiliated with the University of Florida, members have campus privileges similar to those of University faculty – with access to sports, performing arts events, library and research facilities, and more.

Oak Hammock is home to approximately 400 people. Most live in independent living apartments or freestanding homes. The facility also has a capacity for 42 people in its assisted living unit, 42 in skilled nursing and 24 in memory care. Oak Hammock currently has a waiting list, but if you are interested, you can secure a spot on that list for a fully-refundable $1500 deposit.

To learn more about Oak Hammock at the University of Florida, visit www.oakhammock.org.