Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia. It is a progressive disease that currently has no cure. While the majority of adults with the disease are over age 65, it can develop earlier. Every 67 seconds, someone in the U.S. is newly diagnosed with Alzheimer's and each year, approximately half a million people die from the disease.

Unfortunately, the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease is continuing to grow. Researchers now predict that by 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer's will triple to nearly 16 million.

To stay ahead of the curve, WHV opened The Cottage in 2011 to provide memory care assisted living for people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. The 10-suite facility was fully occupied within months of opening and a waiting list has formed.

Today, there are more than 5,500 hospices across the United States caring for more than 1.5 million people a year.

Hospice is a philosophy of care that is focused on symptom relief, dignity and compassion for those living with a life-limiting illness. Care is typically provided where patients live, whether it is in their own home, with a family member, in an assisted living facility or at a nursing home.

Zusman Hospice, a member of Wexner Heritage Village's comprehensive senior healthcare and housing network, also operates one of only two hospice in-patient units in Central Ohio, Zusman House on the WHV campus. And a year ago, Zusman Hospice launched a partnership with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

"More and more people are beginning to realize that hospice care is not just for people with cancer," Zusman Hospice Executive Director Mariann Day said. "Nationally, 63 percent of hospice patients are coping with non-cancer conditions such as dementia, heart and lung disease, stroke or kidney disease. Zusman Hospice patients are no exception."

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