The High Cost Of Treating Dementia

KYW's Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- We spend a great deal in medicine and certain conditions can be extremely expensive to treat. When we think of costs in medicine we think of heart disease or cancer, but you might be surprised to learn that the most expensive condition to treat is dementia.

It costs the healthcare system somewhere between $150-billion to $230-billion every year.

Researchers estimate that most of the costs are not from medication or treatment. Rather, about 80% of the costs are due to nursing home care or home care.

The news doesn't get any better. Due to our aging population, the cost of dementia could dramatically increase by the year 2040 if disease treatment does not improve.