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The number of people with Alzheimer's disease will almost triple over the next 40 years, unless something dramatic changes the trends, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported this week.
At present, about 5 million people suffer from Alzheimer's disease. That's about 1.6% of the population. But by 2060, this number will reach nearly 14 million, or 3.3% of the projected population.
It is difficult to predict how many people will develop Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia. But as more and more people live longer, the numbers will inevitably increase.
"CDC researchers predict that Americans of Hispanic origin will experience the largest increase projected due to population growth over the projection period," the agency said in a statement.
"The American population aged 65 and over is expected to grow from 46.5 million in 2014 to 83.7 million by 2060, but some groups will grow much faster than others," the team wrote in a statement. his report published in the journal Alzheimer's. Dementia.
African Americans have the highest percentage of Alzheimer's by population, with 13.8% of blacks aged 65 and over. More than 12% of older Hispanics have Alzheimer's disease, while 10% of Caucasians over 65 have Alzheimer's disease.
"This study shows that as the population of the United States increases, the number of people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias will increase, especially among minority populations," said Dr. Robert Redfield, Director CDC.
The CDC team used census and Medicare data to make the projections.
There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, which is now the fifth leading cause of death among people aged 65 and over. There are not even good treatments yet, although the labs are working to develop something that can stop the progression of the brain disease.
Studies show that millions of people have signs of damage that can progress to Alzheimer's disease, although there is no way to predict who will develop symptoms and who will not.
"If you count how many people have pathology in the brain that says they're on the way, they're reaching nearly 20 million," says Dr. Rudolph Tanzi, a neurologist and Alzheimer's disease specialist. NBC News said in a live conversation on Facebook on Friday.
Alzheimer's disease is also difficult to prevent. There is evidence that lowering blood pressure significantly reduces the risk and that exercise seems to at least delay the symptoms.
Most importantly, Alzheimer's experts agree to get diagnosed early enough to be prepared for years of aggravated disability.
"It's important for people who think that their daily lives are affected by memory loss to discuss these concerns with a health care provider," said Kevin Matthews, a CDC health geographer who led the # 39, study team.
"Early assessment and diagnosis is essential for planning their health care needs, including long-term care and support, as the disease progresses."
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