Across the country, millions of people are living with Alzheimer's and dementia. Millions more are caring for those family members and taking on the emotional and financial challenges.

Over the course of 18 months, Team 10 spoke to people shouldering those burdens, as well as nonprofit leaders, doctors and lawmakers fighting to reform how dementia is treated and addressed in the United States.

Although the literal cost of care for 2023 alone is in the hundreds of billions of dollars, the emotional toll of seeing a loved one become a shell of their former self is what weighs heaviest on these families.

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  The Cost of Care: The emotional and financial toll of dementia

  It's estimated that Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia will cost the U.S. $345 billion in 2023 alone. By 2050, dementia costs could rise to more than $1 trillion.
  

  The Cost of Care: Planning to afford the unknown

  Long-term care insurance can cover most skilled nursing homes, home care coverage and residential-type care facilities, among other things.
  

  The Cost of Care: An affordable option for daily dementia care

  One type of program in San Diego offers those living with dementia a daily program for mind and body stimulation while also giving caregivers a window of time back in their day.
  

  The Cost of Care: Change at the federal level

  According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than 100,000 people in San Diego are living with dementia. Across the country, that number is more than 7 million.

Economic value of family caregiving by state, 2023
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UCSD Health neurologist shares expertise on dementia, lawmakers fight for reforms & solutions

UC San Diego Health neurologist explains the connection between dementia and Alzheimer’s

Neurologist looks at breakthroughs for treating Alzheimer's

Rep. Maxine Waters advocates for federal support in dementia and Alzheimer's care

Congresswoman Linda Sánchez discusses efforts to improve Alzheimer's care

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Experts, nonprofit leaders offer perspective on dementia

Families take on caregiver role