Updated February 2026
In the Media
In January 2017, PBS first aired the documentary “Every Minute Counts.” The one-hour program discussed the cost associated with dementia, including a looming social and economic crisis that the program deems a “national threat.” The documentary is a wake-up call to all.
PBS also interviewed the staff who man the Alz.org helpline and Matthew Baumgart, senior director of Public Policy.
Watch the trailer from the PBS documentary
Informative clips from the documentary include: “The Growing Epidemic,” “The Public Health Crisis of Alzheimer’s”, and “The Emotional Toll of Alzheimer’s Disease.”
I find it encouraging that major news outlets and public television are covering this issue more and more. Getting help for those who suffer, both the patients and their caregivers is long overdue. Everyone has to be proactive in speaking out on how this impacts families across the world.
Even social media has done a great deal to explore the problems associated with dementia. My news feed had an article on a memory care community in Denmark that created a whole town for their residents, so they could roam at will and still be safe. The “town” had restaurants, theaters, hair salons and healthcare facilities with staff making sure each resident stayed safe. Residents have no need to carry money or cards for payments to each place. All costs are included in this government run community.
The administration said having a safe community where their residents can stay active keeps them healthier longer and does a great deal for their quality of life.
Strides in Diagnosis by Medicare
According to the Alzheimer’s Association website, over 7 million Americans are living with the disease and the costs for that care are astounding. In 2024, the cost of care for Alzheimer’s patients was estimated to reach $360 billion. If the number of suffering elders was not enough to get the lawmakers’ attention, the cost of care now is.
Currently, Medicare will reimburse physicians who take the time to test patients for Alzheimer’s and document findings with a detailed care plan for each patient. According to Alz.org, many doctors have already diagnosed more than half the people with dementia, but fail to inform the patient or family because of costly time restraints to recommend both medical and living care plans.
Since 2017, doctors can be compensated for the time it takes to discuss care options with their patients. I encourage family members to go with your parents on doctor visits and be prepared to ask questions of the doctor. I’ve been going to my parents’ appointments for years and I don’t hesitate to ask everything I can think of.
Standing Up and Working Together
Alz.org is a wonderful resource and has links on its e-mail newsletters on what’s happening in your own community. If you are a caregiver, these resources can be invaluable. Don’t try to do it alone. Get the help that you need.There is power in numbers. Step up and be counted. We must stand together or perhaps it will be to our own peril.
Follow the Alzheimer’s Association on X (formerly Twitter).
(This article was updated February 24, 2026.)
Photo Credit: Still shot from the preview of the PBS documentary Every Minute Counts.