Survey: A Majority Worry About Illnesses Like Alzheimer's

A majority of Americans expect to develop a chronic illness such as Alzheimer's disease in their lifetime, according to a Harris survey.

They worry about being unable to afford medical care, losing their independence, and becoming a burden when that illness strikes.

Over sixty percent of respondents who were not currently chronically ill said they felt they would develop a disease such as Alzheimer's, diabetes, cancer or heart disease, the poll said.

Forty percent of the respondents said that they already were suffering from a chronic disease.

"If you live long enough, a chronic disease is in your future," said Dr. Gerard Anderson, program director for Partnership for Solutions, a collaboration between Johns Hopkins University and The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation that is studying chronic illness and care.

An overwhelming number surveyed also worry about the lack of care being given to those with chronic illnesses.

Other sources: Partnership for Solutions, AP