Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
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Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. -
It is a progressive disease beginning with mild memory loss and possibly leading to loss of the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to the environment. -
Alzheimer’s disease involves parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language. -
It can seriously affect a person’s ability to carry out daily activities.
Who has Alzheimer’s Disease?
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In 2020, as many as 5.8 million Americans were living with Alzheimer’s disease. one -
Younger people may get Alzheimer’s disease, but it is less common. -
The number of people living with the disease doubles every 5 years beyond age 65. -
This number is projected to nearly triple to 14 million people by 2060. one -
Symptoms of the disease can first appear after age 60, and the risk increases with age.
What is known about Alzheimer’s Disease?
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Age is the best known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. -
Family history—researchers believe that genetics may play a role in developing Alzheimer’s disease. However, genes do not equal destiny. A healthy lifestyle may help reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Two large, long term studies indicate that adequate physical activity, a nutritious diet, limited alcohol consumption, and not smoking may help people. To learn more about the study, you can listen to a short podcast. -
Changes in the brain can begin years before the first symptoms appear. -
Researchers are studying whether education, diet, and environment play a role in developing Alzheimer’s disease. -
There is growing scientific evidence that healthy behaviors, which have been shown to prevent cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, may also reduce risk for subjective cognitive decline. Here’s 8 ways .
What are the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease?
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Memory loss that disrupts daily life, such as getting lost in a familiar place or repeating questions. -
Trouble handling money and paying bills. -
Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure. -
Decreased or poor judgment. -
Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them. -
Changes in mood, personality, or behavior.
What to do if you suspect Alzheimer’s disease
How is Alzheimer’s disease treated?
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Helping people maintain brain health. -
Managing behavioral symptoms. -
Slowing or delaying symptoms of the disease.
Support for family and friends
What is the burden of Alzheimer’s disease in the United States?
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Alzheimer’s disease is one of the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States. two -
The 6th leading cause of death among US adults. -
The 5th leading cause of death among adults aged 65 years or older. three
What is known about reducing your risk of Alzheimer’s Disease?
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CDC Healthy Aging Program -
National Institute on Aging -
The National Library of Medicine -
Administration for Community Living
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The Healthy Brain Initiative -
State and Local Public Health Partnerships to Address Dementia: The 2018-2023 Road Map [PDF – 19.3 MB] -
Road Map for Indian Country [PDF – 10.3 MB]
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Alzheimer’s Association -
Alzheimer’s Disease Public Health Curriculum [PDF – 10 MB] -
Alzheimer’s Foundation -
Alzheimer’s.gov -
Brain Health as You Age [PDF – 371 KB] -
National Institute on Aging -
Us Against Alzheimer’s -
Alzheimer’s Association Public Health Efforts
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Matthews, K. A., Xu, W., Gaglioti, A. H., Holt, J. B., Croft, J. B., Mack, D., & McGuire, L. C. (2018). Racial and ethnic estimates of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in the United States (2015–2060) in adults aged≥ 65 years. Alzheimer’s & Dementia . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jalz.2018.06.3063 -
Xu J, Kochanek KD, Sherry L, Murphy BS, Tejada-Vera B. Deaths: final data for 2007. National vital statistics reports; vol. 58, no. 19. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2010. -
Heron M. Deaths: leading causes for 2010. National vital statistics reports; vol. 62, no 6. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2013. -
Hurd MD, Martorell P, Delavande A, Mullen KJ, Langa KM. Monetary costs of dementia in the United States. NEJM . 2013; 368(14):1326-34. -
Tejada-Vera B. Mortality from Alzheimer’s disease in the United States: data for 2000 and 2010. NCHS data brief, no 116. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2013. -
James BD. Leurgans SE, Hebert LE, et al. Contribution of Alzheimer disease to mortality in the United States. Neurology . 2014; 82:1-6.