California Alzheimer's patients to double by 2030

There is often a stigma associated with Alzheimer's disease, but Dorelee Heisler is facing the condition head-on and isn't afraid to share it. Instead, she has decided to be proactive and engaged. She still plays the flute every Sunday at her church and volunteers at local senior centers, according to The Monterey Herald.


She also presents her unique point of view at a more public level in a position on the California Alzheimer's disease advisory council.

This may be necessary as more older adults require Alzheimer's care during their golden years.


Experts believe that many will be in a similar situation to Heisler in California, as the number of patients with Alzheimer's disease is expected to grow from 588,000 to 1.2 million by 2030.


"We need to look at dementia as a public health crisis," said Dr. Joshua Chodosh of UCLA told the news provider. "[This could help] prevent the state from being engulfed by enormous health problems."


A newly released report conducted by the Alzheimer's Association has found that there are 5.4 million Americans suffering from the disease and nearly 15 million caregivers are providing them with home care.  


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