Dementia care can cost a fortune. Families pay in more ways than one.

Angela Davis, 65, has cared for her mother with dementia for the past few years.

Camille Farrah Lenain for BI When Angela Davis discovered that her mother with dementia had changed the locks, she knew she had to intervene.

After a standard care facility didn't cut it, Davis, 65, moved her mother into her own home.

Davis now manages her medications, assists with her hygiene, and monitors her at night.

She sleeps on a love seat near her mom's room in case anything happens.

Her mom's care, plus home maintenance , has cost about $7,000 a month.

Her mom receives $3,200 monthly in retirement income , and Davis covers the rest.

The stress has weighed her down; last week, she took what she thought would be a short evening nap.

Next thing she knew, it was 7 a.m. the next morning and time to go to work.

Angela Davis said caring for her mother with dementia has weighed her down.

Camille Farrah Lenain for BI "It's death by 1,000 cuts, and in this case, you could say death by 1,000 memories every day," Davis said.

Seven million Americans have Alzheimer's, leaving families to navigate rising costs for memory care facilities or home care.

One estimate shows that lifetime costs for dementia can exceed $400,000.

Two dozen families navigating dementia care told Business Insider that costs add up for frequent hospitalizations and physician visits, expensive medications, transportation costs, and round-the-clock home care.