Further research is being found on Alzheimer’s every year. An annual report is published by the Alzheimer’s Association and we put together the latest facts for you.
1. Alzheimer’s occurs in half of adults aged 85 and older
Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia in seniors with 45% of american seniors over 85 years old suffering from it. Also, 1 in 10 people over the age of 65 have Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Most Americans don’t know they have Alzheimer’s
More than half of 5.4 million Americans don’t know that they have the disease. This is due to the difficulty in detecting early-stage Alzheimer’s. Overtime, the ability to detect early-stage Alzheimer’s is improving due to research.
3. A higher number of women have Alzheimer’s
Overall, this is due to women living longer than men. There isn’t a gender-based predisposition to the disease. Two-thirds of Americans suffering from Alzheimer’s are women.
4. Symptoms can develop young
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can develop as early as age 30. Most commonly it is known as a disease of the elderly, but 5% of Americans have early-onset Alzheimer’s. The cause of the disease is still not understood, but it might be do to genetic factors.
5. Alzheimer’s is increasing in Americans
By 2050 the of incidence Alzheimer’s will increase to every 33 seconds. The current number at which it occurs is every 65 seconds. It is projected to double by 2050 because the elderly population is growing. More people will be living to their 80’s and 90’s and the chance of Alzheimer’s increases with age.
6. One of the leading causes of Death in the US
In the United States Alzheimer’s is the 6th-leading cause of death. It’s becoming more common because populations are becoming older and there is a higher success of reducing the rate of death due to other diseases.
7. Caregivers for Alzheimer’s
16 million Americans are providing care for someone with Alzheimer’s. Family caregivers provide 80% of the care at home, while only 10% are paid health professionals. In addition, 70% of these caregivers are women.
8. Emotional Distress in Caregivers
Caregivers providing for those with Alzheimer’s are more likely to develop depression, emotional stress, and financial issues. Difficulties in communication and personality changes can put a big strain on caregivers. Social and therapeutic support can help in reducing the risk of such problems.
9. Living Alone with Dementia
An estimated 800,000 Americans with Alzheimer’s live alone. 15% of those with Alzheimer’s live alone without a caregiver. This puts them at risk for medical emergencies, poor self-care, and social isolation.
Entrust of DeSoto: A Resident-centric Memory Care Community in Dallas, Texas
Entrust of DeSoto is a memory care community that puts resident well-being at the center of everything we do. We know that each person is unique. That’s why we offer a wide range of services and lifestyle options to nourish the body and create community.
We understand the importance of home cooked meals and nutrition for seniors and this attitude is reflected in our dining experience. If you or a loved one live near Dallas, Texas and need assisted living, contact Entrust of DeSoto today to learn about our 24-hour care and find out how we can help.
