What You Should Know about Alzheimer’s Disease (Updated 2022) Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Diagnosis
Alzheimer’s disease is a terrifying prospect for anyone, but especially for family members who may have to care for someone with this frightening condition. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent the development of Alzheimer’s and other related dementias. The key is recognizing the risk factors and taking action before it’s too late.
This blog post shares some eye-opening facts about Alzheimer’s disease and how you can reduce your risk. The more you know about Alzheimer’s and what you can do to lower your risk, the better your chances of avoiding this terrible fate. Let us help you take action today!
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. The symptoms of AD can include cognitive decline, a decline in language skills, and a decline in the ability to perform routine daily tasks. Over time, people with this disease lose the ability to think and remember and eventually lose the ability to perform even the simplest tasks.
This is a very frightening and debilitating condition; unfortunately, there is no cure. Scientists are unsure of what exactly causes Alzheimer’s disease. They know that certain factors increase a person’s risk of Alzheimer’s. It is possible to reduce that risk by changing these factors. This is important because there are many ways to reduce your risk of developing this disease.
How Many People Have Alzheimer’s?
In the U.S., approximately 5.8 million people currently have Alzheimer’s. As the population ages, this figure is estimated to rise to more than 15 million by 2050. The risk of developing this disease increases with age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 5% of people of age 65 and older have Alzheimer’s. The risk of developing AD increases to about 15% for people between the ages of 85 and 95.
7 Shocking Facts about Alzheimer’s Disease
- Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S.
- Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. Approximately 50 percent of people with dementia have Alzheimer’s disease.
- The risk of developing Alzheimer’s increases with age. Approximately 5% of people of age 65 and older have Alzheimer’s. The risk of developing AD increases to about 15% for people between the ages of 85 and 95.
- Approximately 90% of people with Alzheimer’s are older than 65 years of age.
- There are approximately 5.8 million people in the U.S. living with Alzheimer’s. By 2050, that number is expected to rise to more than 15 million.
- The CDC estimates that the total lifetime health care costs related to Alzheimer’s disease could be as high as $1.1 trillion.
Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s
Age: As we mentioned above, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s increases with age. If you’re in your 50s or 60s, you are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s than someone who is in their 20s.
Genetics: The majority of people who develop Alzheimer’s have a family history of the disease. Genetics are thought to account for approximately 1/3 of Alzheimer’s risk.
Sex: Women are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s than men. This is likely due to a number of biological factors.
Smoking: Smoking is known to increase the risk of developing a wide range of life-threatening diseases. Tobacco smoke is linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s
Cognitive decline: The primary symptom of Alzheimer’s is a decline in cognitive ability. In the early stages of the disease, people may experience minor issues such as forgetting names, misplacing items, or having trouble remembering recent events. As the disease progresses, these issues become more severe. Eventually, people with Alzheimer’s may be unable to perform even the simplest tasks.
Language decline: Alzheimer’s progress can negatively affect a person’s ability to communicate. This is especially true for those who have progressed to the moderate to severe stages of the disease.
A decline in functioning: As the disease progresses, people with Alzheimer’s often begin to experience a decline in their ability to perform even the simplest daily tasks. This includes tasks like dressing, bathing, or eating.
Strategies to Reduce Your Risk
1. Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and low in red meat and processed meats can decrease your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. This includes eating plenty of leafy green vegetables, nuts, and legumes.
2. Stay Active
Exercising regularly can decrease your risk of developing a number of serious diseases, including Alzheimer’s. Exercising regularly will also help you maintain a healthy weight, reducing your risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
3. Sleep Well
It is important to get enough sleep as you age, especially if you are concerned about developing Alzheimer’s. Studies have shown that people who sleep less than 6 hours per night are at an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
4. Reduce Your Stress Levels
Managing your stress levels can help you avoid many diseases, including Alzheimer’s.
5. Protect Your Brain
It is never too early to start protecting your brain. Studies suggest that certain lifestyle choices can reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s by up to 80%.
Conclusion: Treatment Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a terrifying prospect for anyone, but especially for family members who may have to care for someone with this frightening condition. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent the development of Alzheimer’s and other related dementias. The key is recognizing the risk factors and taking action before it’s too late.
If you have loved ones who are at risk of developing Alzheimer’s, you need to start making lifestyle changes now. The earlier you begin, the better your chances of avoiding this terrible fate.
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