Alzheimer’s disease affects nearly 7 million Americans, a number expected to reach almost 13 million by 2050. Understanding Alzheimer’s is crucial for individuals and caregivers. Learning about this disease helps us manage it better and improves the quality of life for those affected. Here are 10 facts about Alzheimer’s everyone should know.
10 Facts About Alzheimer’s
1. Its Name is From a German Doctor
Dr. Alois Alzheimer first identified the disease in 1906. He had a patient, Auguste D., who suffered from memory loss and thinking problems. After her death, Dr. Alzheimer found that the disease had diminished parts of the brain. A psychiatrist working with him named the condition “Alzheimer’s disease” in 1910.
2. The Most Common Cause of Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Dementia refers to brain diseases that cause memory loss and a decline in cognitive skills.
3. The Fifth Leading Cause of Death Among Seniors
Alzheimer’s disease is a leading cause of death among older adults. It affects roughly one-third of people over 65. In 2021, it was the 5th leading cause of death among seniors in the United States. The number might be higher as Alzheimer’s can worsen other health conditions, affecting life expectancy.
4. Life Expectancy Can Vary for Those With Alzheimer’s
Predicting life expectancy for someone with Alzheimer’s disease is challenging. It depends on many factors, including the stage of diagnosis and its progression. On average, people live 4 to 8 years after diagnosis, but some may live up to 20 years.
5. Alzheimer’s is More Common in Women
Women are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than men. The lifetime risk is 1 in 5 for women and 1 in 10 for men. In the United States, 4.1 million women and 2.6 million men have Alzheimer’s.
6. Heart Health and Brain Health are Linked
Research from 2019 indicates a link between heart failure and the development or acceleration of brain conditions such as Alzheimer’s.
7. Alzheimer’s Can Lead to Losing Sense of Smell
It could be an early sign that mild cognitive impairment is progressing to Alzheimer’s. However, other conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, brain injury, and sinus infections, can also impact the ability to smell.
8. Higher Education is Associated With Lower Risk
Education might help the brain build connections between neurons, making it more damage-resistant. Higher-income, which often comes with more education, might also reduce the risk.
9. Risk Increases With Age
In the United States, 5% of people aged 65-74 have Alzheimer’s. That rises to 13.1% for those aged 75-84 and 33.3% for those aged 85 and older.
10. Treating Alzheimer’s Disease is Expensive
In 2016, the annual cost was about $236 billion. The projected cost for 2024 is $360 billion. With the number of people with Alzheimer’s expected to increase, the cost could approach $1 trillion by 2050.
What can you do to help in the fight against Alzheimer’s?
Understanding Alzheimer’s disease and spreading knowledge can improve the lives of those affected. Educate yourself and others about Alzheimer’s.
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