ARLINGTON, Va. - On this World Alzheimer's Day, there are alarming new details about the growing epidemic of dementia.

Research suggests the number of patients suffering from dementia worldwide is estimated to nearly double every 20 years. The World Azheimer Report released Monday gives an ominous forecast and researches say people are facing a medical emergency that requires attention now.

Tony Schwartzwalder and Cecilia Javier are celebrating 20 years of marriage this year. But four years ago, Schwartzwalder was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and his wife has dedicated her life to caring for him.

"That's what you make your vows for -- to take care of each other forever," said Javier. "But it gets really, really rough."

Schwartzwalder is one of more than five million Americans and 35 million people worldwide currently suffering from Alzheimer's disease or another dementia.

A new report from "Alzheimer's Disease International," predicts that number to nearly double every 20 years -- to 65 million in 2030, and 115 million in 2050. That's a 10-percent jump from predictions made just a few years ago.

Dr. Scott Turner is the director of the memory disorder program at Georgetown University Medical Center. He says people are living longer and healthier lives and this "graying of the population" is behind the increasing pace of dementia -- particularly in developing countries.

"They are just now getting people who are in the older generations and the older you get, the more likely you'll get Alzheimer's and dementia," he said.

Turner is particularly concerned about the financial implications of this report. "This should be very scary to those providing public health care -- medicare, medicaid -- because it could easily bankrupt these medical systems," he said.

As for Schwartzwalder and Javier, they hope patients and caregivers get the support they're going to need. "There's not enough focus put on where to get help -- not just for patients, but caregivers themselves," said Javier.

Common symptoms of Alzheimer's disease to watch out for include memory loss, difficulty completing familiar tasks and confusion with time and place.

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