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11 <br />However, as illustrated in Figure 1, that percentage increased dramatically <br />as age increased, with a low of 1.1 % for the 65-74 age group, 4.7% for the <br />75-84 age group and a staggering 18.2% for the 85+ age group. (AoA, Ref <br />#8) <br />Figure 1: Nursing Home Occupancy by Age Group, 2000 <br />20 <br />15 <br />10 <br />5 <br />0 <br />O Percent in <br />2000 <br />(2) Increase in Alzheimer's Disease with Age. Alzheimer's Disease (AD) <br />affects 6-8% of all people over age 65, but the prevalence of the disease <br />doubles every 5 years after age 60. Therefore, estimates suggest that <br />almost 30% of the 85+ population has AD. When you look at dementia in <br />the 85+ category (Figure 2), the numbers are estimated to be over 40%. <br />From diagnosis to death, the range of care needed for those with AD is <br />from 3 to 20 years. The financial and emotional impact on caregivers can <br />be devastating, especially since many AD patients do not qualify for skilled <br />care. (Many AD patients have few medical problems, thus making them <br />eligible for assisted living level of care.) <br />Figure 2: Percent with AD or Dementia by Age Group <br />50 <br />40 <br />30 <br />20 <br />10 <br />0 <br />65-74 75-84 85 and older <br />65+ with AD 85+ with AD 85+ with dementia <br />