Alzheimer’s Association 2nd Annual Hearts & Hope Garden Soiree
VENTURA, CALIFORNIA, May 15, 2026 — Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast will be hosting an exclusive Hearts & Hope Garden Soiree at The Music Academy of the West on Thursday, May 21, from 5-7:30pm. They will be honoring Dana and Andrea Newquist with a special award for their tireless work in assisting our most vulnerable seniors. This prestigious Hearts and Hope Award will be presented by David Troxel and introduced by Patricia Wettig and Ken Olin. Tickets are selling quickly and may be purchased at alz.org/cacentralcoast.
This elegant evening under the California sky benefitting the Alzheimer’s Association will unite philanthropists, community leaders, and advocates with a shared commitment to ending Alzheimer’s Disease. To understand the critical nature of this work, please see 2026 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. Here are a few of the key highlights from this report:
More Americans have Alzheimer’s disease.
- In 2026, it is estimated that 7.4 million Americans aged 65 are living with Alzheimer’s dementia.
Deaths due to Alzheimer’s disease are increasing.
- Between 2000 and 2024, the number of deaths from Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. more than doubled, increasing 134%, while deaths from the number-one cause of death in the U.S. (heart disease) decreased 3.8%.
- Alzheimer’s disease was the fifth-leading cause of death among individuals age 65 and older in 2024 (the most recent year for mortality data).
Alzheimer’s is one of the most costly diseases for individuals, families, caregivers and the government.
- The total cost for caring for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the United States is projected to reach $409 billion in 2026. In addition, family and friends provided nearly $447 billion ($446.3) in unpaid caregiving in 2025.
- Without advancement of new treatments and adoption of risk reduction strategies, the total cost of caring for people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is projected to reach nearly $1 trillion in 2050.
Caregiving time, costs of care continue to rise.
- In 2025, nearly 13 million (12.7) caregivers provided more than 19 billion hours of unpaid care, a contribution to the nation valued at $446.3.
- The total lifetime cost of caring for someone with dementia is estimated at more than $400,000 ($405,262) with 70% of these costs borne by family caregivers in the forms of unpaid caregiving and out-of-pocket expenses.
- Sixty percent of caregivers for people with Alzheimer’s or another dementia were employed in the past year, and many faced work disruptions. More than half (57%) went in late, left early, or took time off, while 16% took a leave of absence.
There is a shortage of dementia care specialists and direct care workers.
- 55% of primary care physicians say there are not enough dementia specialists in their communities.
This year’s report clearly illustrates the profound impact Alzheimer’s is having on families across California, but as we begin to understand more and more about this disease, we see that now there is HOPE.” said Jill Shaffer, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association, California Central Coast Chapter.
About the Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
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by Ventura Breeze on May 16, 2026 at 4:50 amVENTURA, CALIFORNIA, May 15, 2026 — Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast will be hosting an exclusive Hearts & Hope Garden Soiree at The Music Academy of the West on Thursday, May 21, from 5-7:30pm. They will be honoring Dana and Andrea Newquist with a special award for their tireless work in assisting our most vulnerable The post Alzheimer’s Association 2nd Annual Hearts & Hope Garden Soiree appeared first on Ventura Breeze.
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