Every September, the public is alerted to the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease — and the many steps we can take to make life more tolerable for those who currently suffer from this devastating condition. Still, many people remain woefully unaware of the huge role Alzheimer’s plays in modern society. Below, we offer clarification with a few quick facts worth examining:
Over 5.8 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s
Although the condition typically strikes older individuals, early-onset versions remain surprisingly common. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, approximately 200,000 people under the age of 65 suffer this condition. The disease is more common among women; two-thirds of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s are female.
Alzheimer’s is likely to become more prevalent in the near future
As the Baby Boomer population ages, more and more people will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Projections from the Alzheimer’s Association suggest that a shocking 14 million people will suffer from the disease by 2050.
The symptoms often go beyond memory loss
For many people with Alzheimer’s, poor memory is only the beginning. As the disease progresses, patients may suffer a variety of other difficult symptoms, including:
A hereditary component accompanies this disease
Although age remains the primary risk factor underlying Alzheimer’s, genetics may also play a role. If your parents or siblings have suffered Alzheimer’s, you are at an elevated risk of eventually developing the condition. Early-onset Alzheimer’s, in particular, is linked to genetics.
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