How Common Is Alzheimer’s Disease? Statistics About Those Living With Dementia
How Common Is Alzheimer’s Disease? Statistics About Those Living With Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological condition that is progressive in nature, meaning that symptoms—such as trouble with memory, cognition, and daily functioning—become worse over time. Because Alzheimer’s disease impacts so many people, affects key areas of daily life, and is currently incurable, it’s considered a serious public health concern. Here, we’ll explore more about what Alzheimer’s disease is, how it’s diagnosed, and statistics about how many people are currently living with this cause of dementia. We’ll also cover ways to seek emotional support if you or a loved one has received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder. It typically affects older adults, though it’s possible to have early-onset Alzheimer’s. Dementia symptoms often start with signs of short-term memory loss, as detailed below. Over time, they tend to progress into trouble with motor function, communication, and daily functioning, and a person with late-stage Alzheimer’s will need constant care and support with basic day-to-day activities like eating and getting dressed.
Early signs and symptoms of memory loss according to clinical trials
While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, recognizing and receiving treatment for symptoms early on may help slow its progression and/or improve quality of life for the duration of the disease. That’s why it can be helpful to explore the signs of memory loss that may signify Alzheimer’s disease.
Recognizing memory loss
According to research, episodic short-term memory loss is usually one of the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Episodic short-term memory is a person’s ability to form new memories. Problems in this area can make it difficult for individuals to remember recent events or conversations. If this form of memory loss is occurring, individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their family caregivers may notice the following signs:
Repetitive questions because the individual doesn’t remember asking the same thing before
Difficulty remembering previous conversations, events, or the names of people they’ve just met
Disorientation, getting lost in familiar places, and being unable to retrace previous steps
Problems with basic functional skills, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, these symptoms may be a sign that someone is developing a mild cognitive impairment—which can sometimes be an early stage of Alzheimer’s disease. If so, they may escalate over time to include personality changes, difficulty with motor function, and various behavioral symptoms.
Why early intervention matters for dementia
By recognizing signs of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, individuals may be able to seek treatment before symptoms progress. Although symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease cannot be reversed, early intervention may slow the progression of cognitive decline.
Also, with more time, healthcare professionals can help patients make lifestyle adjustments, plan for the future, connect with appropriate medical treatments, establish support networks, and navigate healthcare decisions, such as participating in clinical trials. The earlier healthcare professionals diagnose Alzheimer's disease, the more prepared individuals and their loved ones may feel for the future.
The World Alzheimer Report indicates that over 80% of the population believes dementia is a normal part of aging, despite this being untrue. Statistics like these highlight the urgent need for increased education related to the identification of Alzheimer’s symptoms.
How Alzheimer’s disease impacts brain health
While the core causes of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias aren’t yet well understood, it is believed to develop due to a combination of environmental, genetic, and lifestyle risk factors. For example, a person with heart disease or a sedentary lifestyle may be at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s. These factors can impact what form of dementia or Alzheimer’s a person may have. For example, sporadic Alzheimer’s disease does not appear to have a genetic link, while others do. Researchers also continue to explore and map the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on the brain.
Changes that occur in the brain
According to the National Institute on Aging, those who experience Alzheimer’s show a buildup of amyloid and tau proteins in the brain. These buildups disrupt cell function, interfering with communication among neurons in the brain. Over time, this activity can lead to physical brain shrinkage, in turn impacting memory, language, reasoning, and social behavior.
How common is Alzheimer’s disease?
Understanding more about this population and the impacts of this disease can help individuals grasp the scope of this public health concern.
More statistics to help answer the question, “How common is Alzheimer’s disease?”
Alzheimer’s disease is quite common. According to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, some current statistics about the prevalence of this condition include:
The number of cases of Alzheimer’s disease is expected to double by 2050 due to an expanding aging population.
Alzheimer’s disease is currently the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.
There has been a 145% increase in the number of deaths attributed to Alzheimer’s disease since the year 2000, likely due to an increase in the aging population and improvements in diagnostic techniques.
It’s estimated that 11 million individuals in the US act as unpaid dementia caregivers for an individual with Alzheimer’s disease.
Earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease could save an estimated $7 trillion in long-term care costs.
The diagnostic process for those who may be living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
For those who are showing potential symptoms of dementia, receiving an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis usually involves a healthcare provider ruling out other potential conditions or causes of memory loss. In addition to blood tests—which are still being researched as a diagnostic tool—a combination of assessments may be used to determine whether an individual has Alzheimer’s disease.
The diagnostic process for people who may be living with dementia
The way Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed can vary depending on the individual and the type of healthcare provider they see. In most cases, a combination of medical tests is used as part of a comprehensive diagnostic process. Below is an example of a step-by-step diagnostic process that a person might undergo if they’re showing signs of dementia:
A physical exam to rule out other potential causes of cognitive decline
A neurological exam
Memory tests
Diagnostic tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or CT scans to look for brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease
Additional tests, including blood tests, to rule out vitamin deficiencies
Current Alzheimer’s research and clinical trials
Researchers are currently working on various studies in an effort to make medical breakthroughs and uncover new information about Alzheimer’s causes, diagnostic methods, and potential treatments. You can find updates about current clinical trials and research online.
Therapy to help a person cope with a dementia or Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis
Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or having a loved one receive a diagnosis can be distressing. In addition, researching potential medical interventions and planning for the practical and financial impacts of providing or receiving care can feel stressful and overwhelming. In such cases, having a qualified mental health professional to lean on can be indispensable. They can provide emotional support, give you a safe space to process complex feelings, and help you cultivate healthy ways to cope with difficult emotions.
How online mental health care can benefit a person after a diagnosis
While therapy can be a helpful tool for emotional support in the wake of a difficult diagnosis, attending in-person therapy isn’t always feasible. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp instead, clients can attend virtual sessions with a licensed provider from the comfort of home, which can often be more convenient and comfortable. Plus, online therapy tends to be more affordable than in-person therapy without insurance. Research suggests that online therapy can often be as effective as in-person therapy for addressing challenges like anxiety, depression, and high stress levels.
BetterHelp currently accepts HSA/FSA cards and is recognized as an eligible expense by most HSA/FSA providers. Get started today.
Takeaway
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Below are some frequently asked questions about the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease.
What are the odds of getting Alzheimer's?
Researchers suspect that Alzheimer’s is likely caused by a variety of factors, which means each person’s odds of developing this disease can vary. Genetics, other medical conditions, and lifestyle elements are a few examples of factors that may play into a given person’s individual risk.
Why is Alzheimer's so common now?
There are two key reasons the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease has increased in recent years. The first is that the aging population is increasing, which results in more Alzheimer’s cases overall. The second is that diagnostic tools for this condition are improving, which also means more diagnoses.
What 7 things trigger Alzheimer's?
Researchers suspect that there are many different factors that may increase a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Seven of these include:
Age
Heart disease
Diabetes
Depression
A head injury
A family history of dementia
A past stroke
There are also certain factors that may help reduce a person’s risk of developing dementia symptoms. Some examples include surviving breast cancer, quitting smoking, and staying socially connected.
At what age does Alzheimer's usually start?
Alzheimer’s and other dementias typically affect people over age 65. However, it is possible (though rare) for a person to develop early-onset Alzheimer’s or other dementias in their 40s or 50s.
What lifestyle leads to Alzheimer's?
According to the World Alzheimer Report, almost 60% of people believe that Alzheimer’s is caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, but this is only partially true. Researchers believe that lifestyle factors may affect a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia from other causes, though they’re far from the only risk factors. Genetics, for example, is also thought to play a significant role, which means a person could develop this disease even if they live an objectively healthy lifestyle. That said, some examples of lifestyle factors that could increase a person’s risk of developing genetic or sporadic Alzheimer’s disease include social isolation and smoking.
What is the most common psychiatric problem associated with Alzheimer's disease?
According to Alzheimer’s disease facts from the Alzheimer’s Association, depression may be a risk factor for developing dementia. That said, research also indicates connections between Alzheimer’s risk and virtually all types of mental disorders.
Who is more prone to Alzheimer's?
Several different risk factors may make a person more prone to Alzheimer’s. For example, women are more likely to have an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, but this may be because women tend to live longer.
Is depression common with Alzheimer's?
Various medical breakthroughs have occurred in the study of Alzheimer’s. One of them is the finding that those with a past history of depression may be at higher risk of developing dementia symptoms. Making depression treatment more widely available and improving the public health response around mental well-being in general may help reduce risk of dementia worldwide.
How effective is Alzheimer's treatment?
Currently, there is no treatment for Alzheimer’s that will prevent the disease from progressing or cure the disease altogether. That said, some treatments may help slow its progression or improve patient quality of life as it progresses. These treatments may work differently for different people; consult your doctor or your loved one’s doctor to learn more.
What therapy is the best for Alzheimer's patients?
In terms of mental health, cognitive behavioral therapy is one modality that may be helpful for Alzheimer’s patients and people with other conditions that affect memory. Also note that mental health care like therapy may be helpful for dementia caregivers like relatives, a best friend, young adults who are relatives, in-laws, other family caregivers, and other unpaid caregivers. These individuals may experience stress related to finances and spending habits as they pertain to care as well as distress from watching the cognitive decline of a loved one. Even if a person decides therapy is a hard pass for them at first, they may benefit from seeking support later on in their future plans.
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