Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is one of the most common forms of dementia. It’s a neurological disorder that affects millions of people across the world.
The disease kills brain cells and causes cognitive decline and memory loss. The symptoms can be mild at first. Over time, they become more severe, thus affecting peoples’ quality of life.
But, there is still so much we need to learn about Alzheimer’s to manage the condition.
While researchers are learning more every year about the disease, Alzheimer’s facts and statistics are still staggering.
10 Alzheimer’s Facts You May Not Know
Here are 10 facts about Alzheimer’s that will blow your mind:
1. Women Are at Higher Risk
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Alzheimer’s is twice as likely in women. Not only this, the disease gets worse quicker in females.
In women with Alzheimer’s, brain shrinkage is more severe. While there may be other causes for this, these are not clear yet.
2. A High Level of Education Can Help
Research shows that by keeping your brain active, you’re less likely to get Alzheimer’s. Also, a high level of education can also help you avoid the disease.
Some activities that can help stimulate the brain include:
- Learning new languages
- Taking extra educational courses
- Learning to play an instrument
- Partaking in activities such as chess, backgammon, among others
Additionally, doing the above while interacting with others may lower your risk of contracting Alzheimer’s further.
3. Deaths From Alzheimer’s Are Increasing
Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. In fact, between 2000 and 2015 death’s from Alzheimer’s grew by 123%.
The disease kills more people than breast and prostate cancer combined. Not only this, Alzheimer’s kills 1 in 3 senior citizens who have the disease.
4. The Cost of Treatment Continues to Increase
AD and other forms of dementia will cost the United States $277 billion by the end of this year.
Not only this, a person develops the disease every 65 seconds in the country. This rate could grow to every 33 seconds by the middle of this century.
With this in mind, researchers expect costs to grow to $1.1 trillion by 2050.
If you are struggling with the cost of treatment, it’s important you learn how to manage your medical bills. Here are some tips that may help you:
- Understand all aspects of your bill
- Go over all your documents
- Negotiate if you have to
- See if you qualify for Medicaid
It’s worth mentioning that nearly 70% of the costs of Alzheimer’s treatment were paid by Medicare last year.
5. It Affects Caregivers Too
Today, there are more than 16 million Americans providing unpaid care to people with Alzheimer’s. That’s more than 18 billion hours and a value of more than $232 billion.
But, the disease is taking its toll on these people too. Personality changes and losing a loved one are increasing depression and emotional stress among caregivers.
For extra support, there are now care homes that provide around the clock care to people with different forms of dementia.
Seasons Memory Care offers a custom approach to care for each one of their residents. They provide comfort and safety to all those suffering from the disease.
6. It May Affect a Person’s Sense of Smell
One of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s is that people can lose their sense of smell. While this is the case, it’s important to check for other causes such as:
- A brain injury
- Parkinson’s Disease
- An infection in the sinuses
It’s important you consult your physician if you lose your sense of smell to rule out Alzheimer’s as the cause.
7. There is No Way of Preventing the Disease From Developing
One of the biggest problems of Alzheimer’s is that there is no way of preventing it. While a lot of research has gone into understanding Alzheimer’s, a cure is still out of reach.
There is also no way of slowing it down. That said, there are medications that can help with some of the symptoms.
8. A Healthy Heart Can Reduce the Chances of Getting Alzheimer’s
There is a strong link between heart and brain health.
This is because certain heart diseases can affect the brain. For example, heart problems can cause a narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain. This can also decrease the oxygen that goes to the brain.
With this in mind, research suggests that heart disease can increase a person’s chances of getting Alzheimer’s. But, there are also other conditions that can increase the chances of Alzheimer’s. Some of these include:
- A sedentary lifestyle
- An unhealthy diet
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol levels
- High blood pressure
By staying healthy and eating a balanced diet, you may reduce your chances of getting Alzheimer’s in the future.
9. A Person May Not Know Until It’s Too Late
One of the most shocking and saddening Alzheimer’s disease statistics is that a person may not know until it’s too late.
Mild cognitive impairments are hard to detect. This is one of the key reasons some people don’t get a diagnosis until it’s too late.
10. Alzheimer’s Can Develop in People as Young as 30
Many assume that Alzheimer’s only affects older people. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Alzheimer’s disease statistics show that 5% of the U.S. population has an early onset of AD as early as 30 years old.
There is a lot of research on the subject but currently no concrete answers. Many believe that there is a link between a person’s genetics and the condition.
Other Forms of Dementia
While Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, it’s not the only one. Dementia includes all forms of brains diseases that can cause problems with cognitive skills. It also relates to brain diseases that cause memory loss.
Here is a list of other forms of dementia:
- Huntington’s disease
- Mixed dementia
- Vascular dementia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Dementia with Lewy bodies
If you believe you or one of your loved ones suffers from one of the above, it’s important you consult your GP.
Learn More Interesting Facts at Curiosity Human
These are just some of the latest Alzheimer’s facts available at the moment. But, if you want to keep yourself and your family healthy, it’s important you stay up-to-date with the latest news.
At Curiosity Human, we share a mound of information about health, among other topics.
If you want to learn more tips on how to stay happy and healthy, check out our health-related posts today.
