Like nearly 80,000 Oregonians living with dementia, Thelma's life had been turned upside down by a disease that robbed her of her memory and her ability to do even the simplest tasks. A person with Alzheimer's disease has special needs that may be challenging, both physically and mentally. For
families these needs often become overwhelming, especially when the financial issue is added to it.

Thelma's Place is designed to help by offering support, respite, resources, education and compassion for
those in our community living with Alzheimer's or
other dementias.

• In 2008 as many as 5.2 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer's.

• 80,000 Oregonians have Alzheimer's or other dementias.

• One in eight people 65 and older have Alzheimer's or other dementias, and nearly one in two people over the age of 85.

• The greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's is increasing age.

• 10 million baby boomers born between 1946 and 1964 will develop Alzheimer's in their lifetime.

• Every 71 seconds, someone in America develops Alzheimer's disease. By mid-century, someone will develop Alzheimer's every
  33 seconds.

• The direct and indirect costs of Alzheimer's and other dementias to Medicare, Medicaid and businesses amount to more than $148 billion each year.

• Currently an estimated 10 million people share the task of caring for a friend or relative with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, and 25% of these providers care for their loved one more than 40 hours a week.

• 70% of people with Alzheimer's and other dementias are living at home and receive unpaid help from family and friends.