Alzheimer's Affects A Growing Segment Of Elderly Population
By Toby Roberts
An updated review of the most common nervous system disorders in the United States found that 67 out of every 1,000 elderly Americans carries a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, a figure substantially higher than previous estimates. The findings were published in the January 30 issue of Neurology, the scientific journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
"Current, accurate estimates of the numbers of people affected by neurological disorders are needed to understand the burden of these conditions on patients, families, and society, to plan and carry out research on their causes and treatment, and to provide adequate services to people who suffer from these illnesses," said study leader Deborah Hirtz, MD, of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke at the National Institutes of Health.
An estimated 4.5 million Americans currently suffer from Alzheimer's. With an aging population, that number is expected to grow considerably in coming decades unless a cure or effective treatment is found. Existing medications for Alzheimer's may provide temporary relief of symptoms but do nothing to stop the relentless downward progression of disease.
The current figures come from an in-depth analysis of nearly 500 scientific articles published between 1990 and 2005 in the United States and Europe. The Alzheimer's prevalence rate, of 1,275 people per 100,000 seniors age 65 and up, is higher than that for other common neurologic ailments in the elderly, including stroke (1,093 per 100,000) and Parkinson's disease (160 per 100,000). It is also far higher than the general population rate for multiple sclerosis (4.2 per 100,000), epilepsy (48 per 100,000), traumatic brain injuries (101 per 100,000), or ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease, 1.6 per 100,000).
"Neurologic disease affects millions of people worldwide, with the burden of such disease likely to grow as populations grow older," says Dr. Steven M. Albert of the University of Pittsburgh in an editorial accompanying the study. "Current projections of Alzheimer's disease suggest that there will be about 10 million cases in the United States in 2050, of which 6 million are expected to have moderate or severe dementia." Others put those estimates as high as 16 million Alzheimer's cases by 2050, with up to 9 million being moderate to severe.
Dr. Albert describes the effects that new Alzheimer's therapies might have on overall Alzheimer's prevalence. With a pill or other therapy that slowed Alzheimer's progression, he estimates the total number of cases would still be about 10 million in the year 2050, though more people (about 6 million) would have mild disease. With a treatment that delayed the onset of Alzheimer's by 6 to 7 years, the total number of cases would drop to 6 million in 2050, including 4 million with moderate to severe dementia. Even with a treatment that both delayed onset and slowed progression, there would still be about 6 million cases, including 2.5 million with moderate to severe Alzheimer's.
The figures call attention to the desperate need for a therapy that effectively treats, or even cures, Alzheimer's. The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation funds critical research into the search for an Alzheimer's cure. To learn more or to make a donation, visit The Alzheimer's Information Site.
The Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease is a disease that impairs the brain and causes memory loss, particularly in the elderly. What in effect happens is that nerve cells in the brain die manifesting itself with symptoms of memory loss. Nerve cells are crucial to the process of recall. Although the disease develops slowly it will eventually lead to death. Alzheimer's disease is the 9th most common cause of death for those who are 65 years old or more. It is worth noting that the average time from diagnosis till death is approximately 8 years, although some suffers have lived for 20 years, before the disease leads to death.
Alzheimer's Disease and Music Therapy
Activities for Alzheimers patients will often depend on the stages of Alzheimer's disease that the person is at. Alzheimer disease and music therapy are now used in many cases with some amazing results. One of the most remarkable things about this sad disease is the joy and comfort that Alzheimer's disease and music therapy can bring, my late Gran suffered from Alzheimer's in her latter years and my Dad used to always play some old songs on a Wednesday night.
New Brain Health Roadmap Announced
On June 10th something wonderful happened, and the media hasn't paid much attention yet. On that day, the National Public Health Road Map to Maintaining Cognitive Health was released by the CDC and the Alzheimer's Association. IN this article, I want to first share with you the 10 top actions proposed by this report, and then provide a quick glossary to explain the key words that you will hear more and more when discussing brain health.
Caring For Parents With Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease directly affects about four million people in the United States, though it affects many more of us indirectly. While we may not be suffering from the disease personally, many of us are in a position where it has become necessary to care for someone with Alzheimer's.
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The recent win of Diamond Jim, an English Springer spaniel, at the Westminster Kennel Club's annual top dog competition in New York City brought attention to an increased calling for select pets across the country; serving as therapy dogs for people with Alzheimer's and other disabling ailments. The dog, commonly called James, is retiring from the show world to live the life of a therapy dog. James and his human partner have already worked with people with Alzheimer's, proving a soothing presence in nursing homes where they visit.
Helpful and Fun Activities For Patients With Alzhemier's Disease
If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer's Disease or even someone living with this disease there are some easy and fun activities that you can do to help ward off the effects of Alzheimer's disease. These activities will help to keep your brain active, flexible and alert.
Alzheimers Info To Make Your Life Easier
Probably one of the most difficult things you'll every have to do, is care for someone with Alzheimers. The reality that the person with Alzheimers is likely very close to you, only makes the task more challenging. Being armed with as much Alzheimers info as possible, and knowing where you can turn to if you need more help or information can make a world of difference. Being someone who cares for another human being puts you into a category with a high degree of burnout. It can be a stressful, thankless job. You need to stack the odds in your favor as much as possible.
Heavy Metal Anchors Alzheimer's in Your Brain
Heavy metals and aluminum are in every part of our environment and food. These elements are deadly and you will benefit if you are aware of what they do where they come from.
Signs of Alzheimer's Disease
As most of us grow older, it's normal to fear the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Millions of people around the globe suffer from its affects daily and since it is a disease that is so closely associated with growing older, it's natural to think that it is going to happen to you, especially if you have a family history of Alzheimer's in your family. There are signs of Alzheimer's disease that you can watch out for.
Do Elevated Homocysteine Levels Increase Risk For Alzheimer's Disease?
A natural amino acid called homosysteine has recently been linked to several age related diseases. Some researchers believe it may also be linked to the onset of Alzheimer's Disease.
