TAMPA, Fla. — A new report by the Alzheimer’s Association shows the number of caregivers for people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease is growing across the state. At the same time, the report indicates the mental and physical health of those caregivers in general are declining.

According to the report, there are currently more than 580,000 people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the state of Florida.

Experts say that number is expected to reach 720,000 by 2025. Information from the Alzheimer’s Association shows the number of caregivers in Florida has now reached 827,000 people, up 21,000 from last year.

Of those, the report indicates 29% have experienced depression and 14% say their physical health has declined. 

The new statistics are not surprising to caregivers Spectrum News spoke with. Vee Johnson’s father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease about five years ago — she says the signs started out small, like a misplaced wallet. But Johnson says it soon became clear more was at play when her father couldn’t find his way home one afternoon.

“He was in his car and he was just about a block down from the house that he had gotten lost,” she said. “And that was when we realized things are not right here.”

At first, Johnson took on her father’s care alone, while also caring for her daughter, disabled sister and mother, who has since passed away from breast cancer.

While it was something Johnson wanted to do for her father, she also said it was stressful. Now she shares the role of caregiver with another one of her sisters and recommends others who feel overwhelmed seek out support.

“If you need help, ask,” Johnson said. “That’s the healthy thing to do.”

That advice is echoed by the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Keith Gibson, the Florida chapter’s state director for diversity, equity and inclusion, recommends potential caregivers asking themselves if they are truly comfortable with the role, and if their loved one, as well as everyone else in the home, will be safe under those circumstances.

“If you’re comfortable being a caregiver, that’s great. If not, that’s also great because now you can start planning for what I call your care team,” Gibson said. “Those are the resources that you are going to need to help you in your role as the care manager.”

For more information on available resources, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website. Individuals can also call the association’s 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900.