Alzheimer’s disease costs American business $61 billion a year, according to a report commissioned by the Alzheimer’s Association. Of that figure, $24.6 billion covers Alzheimer health care and $36.5 billion covers costs related to caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s, including lost productivity, absenteeism and worker replacement. Today individuals are faced with the pressures of juggling many different roles, both in their professional and personal lives, often including the role of caregiver for a parent or spouse diagnosed with dementia.

Why should my company be concerned about Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease adversely affects your company’s absenteeism, turnover, productivity, and profits.

How can that be? None of my employees have Alzheimer’s disease.

A Gallop poll commissioned by the Alzheimer’s Association found that 1 in 10 Americans said that they have a family member with Alzheimer’s disease. Like other caregivers, the majority of Alzheimer’s caregivers (57%) work full or part time. But even more than other caregivers, their responsibilities at work are more adversely affected by the demands of caregiving.

How does Alzheimer’s disease affect my company’s bottom line?

In a 2004 study by the Alzheimer’s Association and National Alliance for Caregiving:

• 66% of working caregivers reported missing work because of their caregiving responsibilities
• 18% took a leave of absence
• 13% went from working full time to part time
• 8% had to give up work completely
• 7% lost job benefits
• 8% had to turn down a promotion
• 6% chose early retirement

What can I do to help our company deal with the effects of Alzheimer’s disease?

Host an Alzheimer’s Association Workplace Education Program. We offer a variety of programming that addresses brain health, memory issues, caregiving tips and techniques, and stress management to equip individuals with the tools necessary to perform the balancing act we call life.

To schedule a presentation for your corporation, please contact Amanda Schullo at (713) 314-1307.

The Basics of Alzheimer’s Disease

This educational forum addresses fundamental issues of Alzheimer’s disease, including:

• Definition and affect on the brain
• Diagnosis
• Treatment Options
• Progression of the disease
• Community Resource Options
• Caregiving Strategies

Maintain Your Brain®: “How to live a brain-healthy lifestyle” Community Workshop

Find out what you can do to keep your brain healthy and help reduce the risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease. Attend the Alzheimer’s Association’s Maintain Your Brain®: how to live a brain healthy lifestyle community workshop. The one-hour interactive workshop features nutritional and lifestyle advice, strategies to keep your memory sharp, interactive exercises and activities, and materials to take home for further reading.

The workshop will introduce attendees to scientifically rooted advice on brain health based on strong lifestyle choices, including:

• Staying sharp with challenging mental activities
• Engaging in social interactions
• Adopting a brain-healthy diet
• Remaining physically active

Additional topics are available through our Speakers Bureau.

Other helpful hints for maintaining an informed, productive workplace:

• Ensure that your EAP has tools to assist caregiver employees and refers those in need of assistance and support to the Alzheimer’s Association toll-free 24/7 HELPline at 1.800.272.3900
• Listen to employee concerns and let them know you care
• Encourage caregiver employees to join an Alzheimer’s Association support group
• Structure company policies to allow flex time for caregiver employees
• Provide information about Alzheimer’s disease through company emails or an employee newsletter
• Form a company team to participate in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk
• Contribute to the Alzheimer’s Association (volunteer, financial donation, participation)