Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of all deaths in the United States, and the fifth leading cause of death in Americans aged 65 and older.
Differential characteristics are pointed out in the image of the comparison of a normal aged brain (top) and an Alzheimer’s brain (bottom).
Whereas other major causes of death have been on the decrease, deaths attributable to Alzheimer’s have been rising dramatically. Between 2000 and 2006, heart-disease deaths decreased nearly 12%, stroke deaths decreased 18%, and prostate cancer-related deaths decreased 14%, whereas deaths attributable to Alzheimer’s increased 47%.
An estimated 5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer’s; the approximately 200,000 persons under age 65 years with Alzheimer’s comprise the younger-onset Alzheimer’s population. Every 70 seconds, someone in America develops Alzheimer’s; by 2050, this time is expected to decrease to every 33 seconds.
Over the coming decades, the “baby-boom” population is projected to add 10 million people to these numbers. In 2050, the incidence of Alzheimer’s is expected to approach nearly a million people per year, with a total estimated prevalence of 11 to 16 million people. Significant cost implications related to
Alzheimer’s and other dementias include an estimated $148 billion annually in direct (Medicare/Medicaid) and indirect (e.g., decreased business productivity) costs. Not included in these figures is the $94 billion in unpaid services to individuals with Alzheimer’s provided annually by an estimated 10 million caregivers.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an important component in the continuum from healthy cognition to dementia. Understanding which individuals with MCI are at highest risk for eventually developing Alzheimer’s is key to our ultimate goal of preventing Alzheimer’s. This report provides information meant to increase an understanding of the public-health impact of Alzheimer’s, including incidence and prevalence, mortality, lifetime risks, costs, and impact on family caregivers. This report also sets the stage for a better understanding of the relationship between MCI and Alzheimer’s.
References:
1. Irma Mebane-Sims. 2009 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. Alzheimer’s Association. doi:10.1016/j.jalz.2009.03.001.
