Dementia is the name given to a group of conditions characterized by impairment of at least two brain functions. Symptoms generally include forgetfulness, confusion, impaired thinking abilities, limited social skills, and more. Dementia is categorized as a common health condition, primarily affecting mature adults aged 65 or older, with some younger exceptions.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s is one of the most common types of dementia, with an estimated 6.7 million U.S. cases as of 2023. It is a slow, progressive disease of the brain that impairs memory. It is also characterized by disturbances in:
- Language
- Perception
- Planning
- Reasoning
The causes of Alzheimer’s disease are not fully understood. It is believed that an accumulation of the protein amyloid in the brain plays a role by forming plaque around brain cells. Deposits of another protein, Tau, form tangles within brain cells. Over time, different areas of the brain shrink due to widespread cell death. However, there is much more to be learned. It’s important to note that the treatment and management of Alzheimer’s disease, such as medications or other therapies, may help to slow its progression. However, there is no current cure.
An interesting reality
Per Alzheimer’s Association, seven in ten Americans would want to know early if they have Alzheimer’s disease if it could allow for earlier treatment.
Eye-opening facts about Alzheimer’s & women:
Alzheimer’s Association shares the following statistics:
- Women are disproportionally affected by dementia.
- Two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer’s are women.
- Older black Americans and older Hispanics are at higher risk.
And, as the size of the population grows, so too, will the number and proportion of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease.
Two chilling statistics as it relates to the future:
- By 2050, the number of people in the U.S. aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s may grow to a projected 12.7 million, without the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent or cure the disease.
- Currently, Alzheimer’s and other dementias cost the nation $345 billion. This doesn’t include the value of unpaid caregiving. Absent a cure by 2050, costs for health care, long-term care, and hospice for people with dementia are projected to increase to $1 trillion.
More to know
There are many different types of dementia. Mixed dementia is a combination of two types, the most common of which is Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia: the latter generally the result of a major stroke or series of strokes. Some conditions or diseases have overlapping symptoms; thus, a series of medical assessments are required for accurate diagnoses.
Take it seriously
Memory loss that worsens over time or interferes with daily tasks should be medically evaluated. Though people who are at risk of having Alzheimer’s are generally older, the disease is not a normal part of aging. While some memory loss may occur as we grow older, most normal age-related memory loss does not disrupt one’s ability to fully function. Read our related articles.
The need for more studies
Is dementia common? Per WHO, dementia currently affects more than 55 million people worldwide and is more common as people age. In addition, other risk factors such as genetics and estrogen can come into play. Thus, it’s important to study the many pieces of the medical puzzle to see where they fit. This includes gaining further insight into conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, and more. People should also remain educated on the role a healthy lifestyle can play in guarding against dementia. In the absence of a current cure, there is clearly much more to be learned.
If you or someone you know is experiencing memory loss of concern, do seek prompt medical evaluation.
This article is not medically reviewed. It is purely informational and is not intended as a medical resource or form of medical advice.
Will share my experience. My FIL, whom I met 50 years ago was a full blown alcoholic and angry at the world. He was diagnosed with frontal lobe dementia shortly after we were married. Absolutely nothing was done to help him accept a few AA meetings. He died at the beginning of this month at age 97. My mother is in hospice care at age 93. We are starting to see dementia creep in more and more with each passing day, but accept it as being terminal and 93. Bottom line, nothing similar about their lives, not that much different accept the alcoholism…. Could be genetics, lifestyle, eating habits, medication…. Research needed.
I definitely believe eating and supplements are helpful. Much of our diets contain meats with antibiotics, which mess up our gut biome. A lot of people don’t get enough fiber. Even if you eat enough fruits and vegetables, you no doubt need a good quality multi vitamin-mineral. Some people live off pizza, and other non nourishing foods.
Surely Big Pharma is studying this topic post haste. The potential for major profits is staggering. Sad part is the motivation is not in the right place. True research may uncover environmental factors that may be amended without terrible cost.