Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States (recently surpassing diabetes) and the only cause of death among the top 10 in the United States that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed. It is estimated that there are currently 5.3 million adults suffering with Alzheimer’s Disease in the United States. With the growing baby boomer population, it is estimated that by 2050 there will be 11-16 million adults with Alzheimer ’s disease. This disease affects 1 in 8 Americans. However, this disease also impacts their families and support systems. It is estimated that there are over 12 million caregivers (equal to $144 billion in unpaid man hours). This disease costs an astounding $172 billion a year to treat.
The Alzheimer’s Association, the leading experts in research and advocacy, reports that an estimated 200,000 people are currently living with early-onset Alzheimer’s (before the age of 65). Research currently suggests that the leading factors associated with Alzheimer’s Disease are age, heredity, and family history. Most individuals impacted with this disease are over the age of 65, with 1 in 9 being diagnosed. However, for those over the age of 85, the number increases to 1 out of 3.
There are several myths about Alzheimer’s, including: forgetting is a normal part of aging, Alzheimer’s is caused by Aspartame, Alzheimer’s is caused by the flu shot, Alzheimer’s is caused by silver dental fillings, and even that Alzheimer’s is caused by aluminum. According to the Alzheimer’s Association website:
“During the 1960s and 1970s, aluminum emerged as a possible suspect in causing Alzheimer’s disease. This suspicion led to concerns about everyday exposure to aluminum through sources such as cooking pots, foil, beverage cans, antacids and antiperspirants. Since then, studies have failed to confirm any role for aluminum in causing Alzheimer’s.”
Recent research has noted a strong correlation between severe head injuries, especially with loss of consciousness and lack of proper recovery, with increased chances for getting Alzheimer’s Disease. Research is also beginning to link health lifestyles, heart health, and lack of complex social interactions as contributing factors behind the increase of Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s can be a scary and difficult disease to understand and diagnose. If you are finding problems in your (or a loved ones) ability to remember, plan or focus, and it is having serious impacts on daily functioning, discuss your concerns with your primary care provider and seek an evaluation. The basic signs and symptoms can easily be missed as something else. These include:
- Memory loss that disrupts life
- Challenges in planning or problem solving
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, work, or leisure
- Confusion with time or place
- Trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships
- New problem in finding words or writing
- Misplacing things or the inability to retrace steps
- Decreased or poor judgement
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Changes in mood or personality