Missing Alzheimer patient may speak to larger issue

On February 3, an elderly man from Polk County, Florida, was found in Georgia after being reported missing by his wife, according to the Orlando Sentinel. The 78-year-old Stanley Earl Compton of Frostproof suffers from dementia and Alzheimer's, and has a history of wandering.


The timing of this incident coincides with a new report from the Alzheimer's Association depicting the bleak nature of the degenerative disease, while enumerating the growing number of baby boomers who will suffer from Alzheimer's.

This trend may in turn increase the need for Alzheimer's care in the coming years.


Baby boomers are defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as anyone born between the years 1946 to 1964. Thus, 2011 marks the first year that baby boomers will turn 65.


According to the report, titled Generation Alzheimer's, more than 10,000 baby boomers will turn 65 each day. To illustrate the daily struggles of afflicted individuals, the report offered more personal stories about Alzheimer's care and patients.


Every 70 seconds in America, one person will develop Alzheimer's, states the Alzheimer's Association. That rate will increase to one in 33 seconds by the year 2050.


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