1. Springhill Care Group
Alzheimer's as Most Feared Disease
by Americans According to Poll

2. Springhill Care Group
Free Alzheimer’s Training Available in all 50
States to Support Family Caregivers
Alzheimer’s disease is a fatal, progressive and
degenerative disease that destroys brain cells. It
is the most common form of dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of
aging. Symptoms include having difficulty
remembering things, making decisions and
performing everyday activities.

3. Springhill Care Group
These changes can affect the way a person feels
and acts. There is currently no way to stop the
disease, but research is improving the way
provide care and will continue to search for a
cure.

4. Springhill Care Group
Americans fear developing Alzheimer’s disease
more than any other major life-threatening
disease, including cancer, stroke, heart disease
and diabetes according to OMAHA, Neb. –
November 13, 2012 – Home Instead Senior
Care®, the world’s leading provider of home
care services for seniors, announced new survey
results.

5. Springhill Care Group
More than 1,200 Americans was designed to
gain perspective on the most pressing concerns
associated with Alzheimer’s, including diagnosis
and the difficulties of caring for a loved one with
the disease, according to the survey of Marist
Institute for Public Opinion.

6. Springhill Care Group
According to Jeff Huber, president and chief
operating officer of Home Instead, Inc. “The
survey confirmed what our franchise owners
had been hearing from their clients and their
families – the majority of Americans feel
unprepared to care for a loved one diagnosed
with Alzheimer’s. The need for support and
education for these families is critical.”

7. Springhill Care Group
Additional survey highlights include:
Nearly two-thirds of Americans (63 percent)
have had a personal experience with someone
with Alzheimer’s and/or a serious memory loss
problem.
61 percent of Americans feel unprepared to
care for a loved one diagnosed with the disease.

8. Springhill Care Group
If diagnosed with the disease, Americans most
fear the inability to care for oneself, and
burdening others (68 percent); followed by
losing memory of life and loved ones (32
percent).
A plurality of Americans – 44 percent – cites
the illness as their most feared disease
compared to 33 percent who cite cancer.

9. Springhill Care Group
More than other generations, a majority of
Americans over 65 years of age (the
silent/greatest generation) – 56 percent – fear
an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
o When asked if it would be harder to receive
an Alzheimer’s diagnosis or care for someone
with the disease, Americans are equally split
down the middle, 50/50.

10. Springhill Care Group
More than other generations, a majority of
Americans over 65 years of age (the
silent/greatest generation) – 56 percent – fear
an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
o When asked if it would be harder to receive
an Alzheimer’s diagnosis or care for someone
with the disease, Americans are equally split
down the middle, 50/50.