Alzheimer’s Disease: The Latest Facts and Stats
Alzheimer’s Disease is a growing concern for aging individuals and their families. The number of individuals diagnosed with the disease is expected to double by the year 2050. Since 1999, the number of deaths caused by Alzheimer’s Disease has increased dramatically.
The increase in the number of Alzheimer’s-related deaths can be attributed to several factors, including an increase in the aging population, doctor reporting and earlier diagnoses. As the numbers continue to grow, it’s important to stay informed about how this disease can change lives.
Here are the latest stats and figures on Alzheimer’s Disease and its effects on unpaid caregivers.
Diagnosing Alzheimer’s Earlier Has Huge Benefits
The 2018 Alzheimer’s Association Report concluded that earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease could save nearly $8 trillion over the lifetime of all Americans currently living.
The sooner a diagnosis is procured, the sooner individuals can begin receiving proper treatment, families can adjust and symptoms can be managed.
Two-Thirds Of Individuals Over 65 With Alzheimer’s Are Women
The Alzheimer’s Association Report unveiled a disheartening new statistic: the majority of seniors over 65 with Alzheimer’s Disease are women.
We’ve noted before that over 60% of unpaid Alzheimer’s caregivers are women. Women are also more likely to shoulder the burden of caring for aging parents and dependent children concurrently.
Now it seems that women are also far more like to develop Alzheimer’s Disease.
While women have always been more likely to develop AD than men, it has previously been attributed in large part to women living longer. New research shows that women’s longevity is not the sole cause of the higher incidence of AD. More research is needed to determine which biological factors may be increasing the rates of AD in women over 65.
Alzheimer’s: The Only Top-10 Cause of Death Without a Known Prevention or Cure
In 2018, Alzheimer’s Disease remains the only entry on the list of leading causes of death in America that has no known treatment, prevention or cure.
Alzheimer’s has a wide array of causes, symptoms and patterns--each of which change from individual to individual.
Scientists agree that social interaction, physical and cognitive activity and diet can significantly improve cognitive health as we age. But the days of a known treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease have yet to arrive.
The exhaustion and emotional toll of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease can cause health problems and even lead to depression in family caregivers.
Respite care and in-home care can relieve the caregiving burden and provide individuals with Alzheimer’s with professional care that meets their needs.
If it’s time to explore caregiving options for your loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia, Visiting Angels can help.
Contact us today to learn more about our memory care services in New Jersey.