The rate of Americans living with Alzheimer's disease is expected to double by 2060



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A new study from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that from 2014 to 2060, the number of Americans with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias will increase by 178%.

With the aging of the American population, a new study by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that between 2014 and 2060, the number of Americans with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias will increase by 178% .

This means that the US burden is expected to more than double, from 1.6% of the population (5 million people) in 2014 to nearly 3.3% (13.9 million people) in 2060.

The study, published Wednesday in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of Alzheimer's Association, was the first to examine race and ethnicity in relation to dementia and its future.

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias are "characterized by a decline in memory leading to a loss of independence," the authors write. According to the National Institute on Aging, symptoms may include memory loss, a decrease in skills such as word search and a reduction in reasoning or judgment. Treatments include "helping people maintain their mental function, manage behavioral symptoms, and slow down certain problems, such as memory loss." It is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

"Although the main risk factor for the disease [Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias] Age, race, and ethnicity are also important demographic risk factors, "the study notes. "The estimates of SARD among these subgroups do not exist."

Of the 5 million Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer's or related dementias in 2014, the lowest prevalence was in Asia and the Pacific Islands (8.4%) and the highest among African Americans (13.8%). Among Hispanics, 12.2% were diagnosed with these conditions, as well as 10.3% of whites and 9.1% of American and Alaskan Indians. More women (13.3%) than men (9.2%) were diagnosed in 2014.

Non-Hispanic whites have the largest number of cases because of the size of the population, but Hispanics face the largest projected increase. Diagnosis among whites is expected to stabilize by 2030, but the number of cases in other populations will continue to increase, according to the study.

To find their projections, the researchers combined the comparative numbers of Alzheimer's and related dementias among Medicare beneficiaries in 2014 with projection data from the US Census Bureau.

The authors also point out that due to the anticipated growth, caregivers of people with dementia will need support and that "culturally competent care for these groups will be of paramount importance". illness and help those with it.

"It's important for people who think that their daily lives are affected by memory loss to discuss these issues with a health care provider. Early assessment and diagnosis is essential to plan their health care needs, including long-term services and supports, as the disease progresses, "said Kevin Matthews, lead author of the study and geographer from the CDC Population Health Division. the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

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