By the year 2010, it's predicted that 37,000 Nebraskans will have Alzheimer's Disease, a 12 percent increase from 2000. Members of the Council of State Governments (CSG), as well as those impacted by the disease, met Thursday at the Qwest Center to address the growing threat.

Among those present, State Senator Tim Gay of Papillion. "The more you talk to people," he said, "the more you run across this issue." It's important he said, not only to those living with the disease and their care givers, but to the state budget which is burdened by growing health care costs.

The most recent figures available from 2005 show people with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias incurred $21 billion in state and federal Medicaid costs and $91 billion in Medicare costs to cover home nursing care.

At just 59 years-old, Liz Johnson of Omaha is among the rarer group of early onset Alzheimer’s patients. "My husband and my daughter kept telling me that there's something that wasn't right,” she said.

Johnson initially ignored the symptoms, busy with her family and career as a music teacher. It was her husband who finally convinced her to see a doctor two years ago. It took four months of testing before doctors told her she had Alzheimer's.

"And it just, in a way it was surreal. And I just couldn't see what that meant,” said Johnson.

It's something more baby boomers like her will face, said Duane Gross, PhD, President and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, Midlands Chapter. "And as that segment of the population ages, we fully anticipate that the medical, the health that we are going to be, that the medical, the health systems are going to be overwhelmed."

Only 14 states have plans to cope with Alzheimer's. Iowa is among them. Nebraska is not.

The Director of State Policy and Advocacy Programs, out of Washington, D.C., Michael Splaine, said, "If states really look at Medicaid, how those dollars can be spent smarter and wiser, but also look for the long-term, can we find other ways to help people meet the demands, the financial demands of needed long-term care."

Those with early onset, like Johnson, face unique challenges. “They are in the prime of their life,” said Dr. Gross. “They don't have access to social security, disability or Medicaid or Medicare." Advocates hope to find solutions, by raising awareness.

Since there is no cure, Liz hopes to slow her deterioration with medication, and her family's encouragement. "I don't know how I could have done it by myself. And that worries me about this disease, because, you need help."

Her husband, Terry Johnson, said, "This is my wife of over 33 years. And I want to support her. I want to support her as long as I can."

It's not just a need for financing that advocates are pushing for, but also quality care. They say more training is needed for care givers, particularly since 70-percent of Alzheimer’s patients live at home.

"We need to shine a light on the issue," said Dr. Gross.

Debra Miller, Director of CSG Health Policy, said it's important for states to identify policy trends and work on solutions.

Among the ideas proposed: supporting research to assess the impact on cognitive impairment on individuals and families, creating a legislative task force to study Alzheimer's disease, dementia and cognitive impairment and increasing training for those who care for patients.

Nationwide, 5.2 million people currently live with Alzheimer's disease. The number is expected to climb to 16 million by the year 2050.