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Future Trends in Dementia Family Care: Caregiver and Care Recipient Perspectives

Sun, August 11, 8:30 to 10:10am, Sheraton New York, Floor: Lower Level, Sutton Place

Abstract

An estimated 5.4 million people in the United States currently live with Alzheimer's disease and this number is expected to more than double by 2050, primarily due to the aging of the Baby Boomers. The aging of the population coupled with smaller family sizes suggests that there may not be enough family caregivers to meet the needs of adults with dementia in the future. In addition, longer life spans could mean that more people will be exposed to loved ones with dementia. We use data from two linked models: a microsimulation model of kinship and a dementia incidence model to predict future trends in (1) the availability of family care for people with dementia, and (2) exposure to close kin with dementia among adults aged 25 and older. We find that older adults with dementia, especially white women, will be less likely to have family caregivers available in the future. If current trends persist, the future could also bring an increase in the percent of adults with exposure to a loved one with dementia, putting them at risk of being a caregiver.

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