In 2013, the direct costs of caring for those with Alzheimer's to American society will total an estimated $203 billion. That's a massive amount when you consider that against the cost of care for cancer(s) patients. This only takes account Alzheimer's patients and there are so many other brain diseases that are pulling so much money out of the economy. I think it's great that they are looking into it. The sooner they find cures for a lot of diseases the better. Sad Fact: My father has had Alzheimers for 7 years, he's only 58 and he's coming to the end of his time. :'(