While it's fairly common knowledge that Alzheimer's disease robs people of their ability to remember, many other truths about the disease remain unknown, experts say.
For instance, many people are unaware that Alzheimer's is a fatal disease, its symptoms extend further than memory loss and early diagnosis matters.
"Greater understanding is urgently needed given the dramatic impact of the disease," said Linda Mitchell, president and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association of Colorado. "Alzheimer's is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the only cause of death among the top 10 that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed. In Colorado alone, we are projecting a 37 percent jump in the number of people with Alzheimer's by 2025, reaching 92,000."
To improve the public's understanding of the disease and to underscore the need for swift action, the Alzheimer's Association is highlighting essential truths aimed at curbing common misconceptions about Alzheimer's. These truths include:
There are no survivors. From 2000 to 2013, the number of Alzheimer's deaths increased 71 percent, while deaths from other major diseases decreased. More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, including 67,000 in Colorado.
Alzheimer's is a fatal and progressive disease that attacks the brain, killing nerve cells and tissue, affecting an individual's ability to remember, think and plan. Brain changes associated with Alzheimer's may begin 20 or more years before symptoms appear. Although age is the greatest known risk factor, Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging.
Many believe the disease only manifests itself through memory loss, when it may appear through a variety of signs and symptoms. However, since Alzheimer's affects people in different ways, each person will experience symptoms and progress through the stages of Alzheimer's differently. Experts from the Alzheimer's Association have developed 10 key warning signs of Alzheimer's disease that everyone should learn to recognize in themselves and others.
African-Americans are about twice as likely as whites to have Alzheimer's or another dementia. Hispanics are about 1 1/2 times as likely. Additionally, more than two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's disease are women.
More than 5 million people are living with Alzheimer's disease, but only about half have been diagnosed. Additionally, 45 percent of seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or their caregivers are aware of the diagnosis. Diagnosis is often delayed due to low public awareness of the early signs and general misperceptions about Alzheimer's and other dementias.
Staying mentally active, engaging in regular physical activity and eating a healthy diet benefits your body and your brain. There is also some evidence people may benefit from staying socially engaged with friends, family and the community.
It remains one of the most critical public health issues in America, costing taxpayers $18.3 million each hour. The total national cost of caring for those with Alzheimer's and other dementias is estimated at $236 billion a year, of which $160 billion is the cost to Medicare and Medicaid alone. As the number of Americans with Alzheimer's grows, the total annual payments for health care, long-term care and hospice care for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias are projected to increase to more than $1 trillion in 2050.
The enormity of the Alzheimer's crisis is felt not only by the more than 5 million people in the U.S. living with the disease today, but also by their more than 15 million caregivers, friends and family. According to the 2016 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report, it is estimated that 250,000 children and young adults between ages 8 and 18 provide help to someone with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia. In addition, 23 percent of Alzheimer's disease and dementia caregivers are "sandwich generation" caregivers --; meaning that they care not only for an aging parent, but also for underage children.
The Alzheimer's Association works with caregivers to enhance care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer's and other dementias. The central office in Denver and six Colorado regional offices around the state provide a full range of information and support for those affected and their caregivers.
Information about programs and services is also available through the association's website at alz.org/co, and through the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900. The association provides assistance to more than 310,000 callers each year, offering translation services in more than 200 languages.
from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://northglenn-thorntonsentinel.com/stories/More-understanding-of-Alzheimers-greatly-needed,218251?branding=15
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