How common is Alzheimer's disease?
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Dr. Michael Roizen answered:Part of my job as a doctor is to tell you things straight up, because when I don't tell the truth, people get hurt. No BS (that really stands for no bad science). When it comes to your brain, here's a fact that's harsher than a Buffalo winter: The research shows that, eventually, everyone in America will either get Alzheimer's or care for someone who has it.
In some way or another, we're all going to be affected by serious change-your-life memory problems. But memory disorders aren't as uncontrollable as they seem, and the way to attack potential brain problems is by using your brain to understand them.
For the record, age-related memory loss is classified in several ways. Conditions such as Alzheimer's, dementia, and mild cognitive impairment are all technically different.
Find out more about this book: You: Staying Young: The Owner's Manual for Extending Your Warranty
Part of my job as a doctor is to tell you things straight up, because when I don't tell the truth, people get hurt. No BS (that really stands for no bad science). When it comes to your brain, here's a fact that's harsher than a Buffalo winter: The... More -
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital answered:Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that causes impaired memory and behavior, personality changes, and other symptoms. Alzheimer's disease affects one in 10 people over age 65 and nearly half of people over age 85. It is the most common cause of dementia, a disorder in which a person's mental functions deteriorate.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that causes impaired memory and behavior, personality changes, and other symptoms. Alzheimer's disease affects one in 10 people over age 65 and nearly half of people over age 85. It is... More -
Dr. Judith London answered:In 2011, the Alzheimer's Association released a report with the latest figures about incidence. The current rate is 1 out of 8 at the age of 65, with over 5.3 million cases in the U. S., more than 26 million world-wide. Approximately 15 million Americans - unpaid caregivers - care for their loved ones with this disease that affects the entire family.
In 2011, the Alzheimer's Association released a report with the latest figures about incidence. The current rate is 1 out of 8 at the age of 65, with over 5.3 million cases in the U. S., more than 26 million world-wide. Approximately 15 million... More -
Dr. John Growdon answered:About 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, and estimates suggest it will affect 7.7 million by 2030. Already, it is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. There is no cure, and available treatments alleviate symptoms temporarily at best.About 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, and estimates suggest it will affect 7.7 million by 2030. Already, it is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. There is no cure, and available treatments alleviate... More -
Dr. Zaldy Tan of UCLA Health answered:Alzheimer’s disease is very common among older people. According to recent data, nearly 15 percent of people 71 years of age or older (approximately 3.8 million Americans) currently experience symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Doctors say that the real number is probably even higher, since many people with memory problems are not diagnosed until their failing memory leads to a crisis. As baby boomers age, this number is likely to increase. Some estimates show that nearly 50 percent of people who live to age 85 or older will develop dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease is very common among older people. According to recent data, nearly 15 percent of people 71 years of age or older (approximately 3.8 million Americans) currently experience symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other forms of... More
