Des Moines, IA (Radio Iowa)– A new report from the Alzheimer’s Association predicts a worsening shortage of family and professional caregivers in Iowa as more people are diagnosed with the disease.

Spokeswoman Lauren Livingston says there is already a high demand for direct care workers that play a vital role in caring for patients with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

The report says family caregivers in Iowa face significant emotional, physical and health-related challenges as a result of caregiving.

According to the report, there are six-point-seven million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, including 66-thousand Iowans.