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U.S. adults fear Alzheimer's more than heart disease, diabetes or stroke, but few prepare...MetLife Foundation Survey reveals little planning for Alzheimer's among its key findings

NEW YORK, May 11/PRNewswire/ -- U.S. adults fear getting Alzheimer's disease more than heart disease, stroke or diabetes. However, nearly nine out of 10 have taken no steps to prepare for this illness. It is an illness that attacks nearly 50 percent of those who live past age 85.

These are two key findings from a report, "MetLife Foundation Alzheimer's Survey: What America Thinks," conducted by Harris Interactive(R) for MetLife Foundation. The survey also found that more than a third of U.S. adults have a family member or friend who has Alzheimer's, and three out of five are concerned that they may someday have to provide for or care for someone with the mind-robbing disease.

Other major findings in the MetLife Foundation survey are that while U.S. adults surveyed (93%) say they know a lot or a little about the disease, and eight out of 10 think it is important to plan ahead for the possibility of getting Alzheimer's, fully 87 percent have taken no steps to prepare for the possibility of Alzheimer's. For example, more than half (58%) report that they have not designated anyone to take care of their affairs if they were to get Alzheimer's disease.

"Our survey clearly shows that although adults fear Alzheimer's and the devastating effects it has on individuals, families and communities, few have done anything to prepare for a disease that destroys a person's memory, personality and ability to function independently," said Sibyl Jacobson, president and CEO of MetLife Foundation. "The greatest risk factor in Alzheimer's is age, and, as Americans live longer, the threat of Alzheimer's will continue to increase."

MetLife Foundation has been a leading advocate for Alzheimer's disease research for the past 20 years and presents annual awards in support of leading-edge research on Alzheimer's disease. The Foundation's historical role in supporting Alzheimer's research and its emphasis on issues related to aging, prompted the Foundation to commission a survey of the public on Alzheimer's. The survey explores the public's knowledge, fears and plans for the possibility of developing Alzheimer's.

The "MetLife Foundation Alzheimer's Survey: What America Thinks" was conducted by Harris Interactive(R) for MetLife Foundation. The survey was conducted by telephone within the United States between January 19 and 22, 2006 among 1,008 adults.

Currently, 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer's, a number that is expected to nearly quadruple to 16 million by 2050, according to the Alzheimer's Association. One in 10 people over 65 have the disease; the rate is closer to 50 percent for those over 85. The Alzheimer's Association and the National Institute on Aging estimate the cost of current care exceeds $100 billion annually.

With the aging of America's population these numbers are sure to become even more dramatic in the future, making it imperative that individuals and institutions plan for the future. The growing number of older people, many with Alzheimer's will have an impact on every part of society.