In an article in the Salt Lake Tribune, published January 4, 2016 (http://www.sltrib.com/news/3306522-

155/alzheimers-diagnosis-projected-to-increase-50) the Alzheimer’s Association Utah Chapter, noted that

Alzheimer’s is becoming an epidemic with staggering financial costs for the families and communities.

The costs associated with care for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is projected to increase along with

the increase in the number of people effected.

The executive director of the Utah Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, Ronnie Daniel has requested

that the Utah Legislature consider how to expand health care reform policies in this area. Daniel noted

that, “typically, there are multiple health concerns involved, not just Alzheimer’s. Oftentimes they have

chronic illnesses, like heart disease or liver problems. There tends to be a higher incidence of medical

need, and with people in the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease, there’s a higher incidence of being

placed in long-term care, which has a higher cost associated as well.”

Daniel further reported to the state Legislature, “in the next 10 years, there’s going to be an incredibly

large population of seniors who are dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, so we’re

looking at hundreds of millions of dollars of increased costs. If legislators aren’t paying attention to this

bubble, as baby boomers age, the growing Alzheimer’s crisis may cause such a huge strain on Utah’s

economy that the state may not be prepared to handle. It’s time to deal with the issue now so we’re not

facing an enormous financial burden in 2025.”

Proper estate planning is more critical now than almost any time in the past. Contact a representative of

Christensen Young and Associates for a free consultation.