JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Florida is committed to helping Alzheimer's disease patients and their families.
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Monday the state's newly passed $10 billion budget includes $51 million in Alzheimer's and dementia funding, a $12 million increase over last year.
"Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia and the sixth-leading cause of death in the state of Florida," DeSantis said during a news conference at an assisted living center in Jacksonville. "More people lose their lives to Alzheimer's than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined."
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DeSantis said 580,000 Florida families are affected by Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
According to the governor, 5.3% of people ages 65 to 74 are diagnosed with the conditions. That number jumps to 14% for those 75 to 84, and 35% for people over 85.
The budget includes $5 million for Alzheimer's research through the Florida Department of Health, as well as support services for patients and their families.