COLUMBIA (WACH)-Alzheimer’s is now the 6th leading cause of death in the United States.

According to the 2012 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures Report, released Monday, Alzheimer's is the only one in the top 10 in the country that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.

The report finds that caring for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the United States an estimated $200 billion in 2012. A significant cost driver for the health care system, Medicare payments for an older person with Alzheimer’s or other dementias are nearly three times higher while Medicaid payments are 19 times higher than for seniors without these conditions.

Today there are an estimated 5.4 million individuals living with Alzheimer’s including as many as 80,000 here in South Carolina.

On April 20th, Good Day Columbia Anchor, Janet Parker will dance as a local celebrity in the 3rd Annual Forget Me Not Ball. You can show your support by voting for Janet and her dance partner as well as donating to the Alzheimer's Assocation.

Are you or do you know someone caring for a relative diagnosed with Alzheimer's? Share your story with us.