Alzheimer’s Related Dementias to Double by 2060, Says CDC

Alzheimer’s Related Dementias to Double by 2060, Says CDC

The future is bright. But it’s also filled with plastic in the ocean, famine, drought, over population and more than a few people suffering from dementia. Ack.

According to a new study done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. burden of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) will double by the time we reach 2060.

The study, published online in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, predicts that Hispanic Americans will have the largest projected increase due to population growth over the projection period. Non-Hispanic whites will still have the largest total number of Alzheimer’s cases, but this is simply due to the size of this population in the U.S.

“This study shows that as the U.S. population increases… early diagnosis is key to helping people and their families cope with loss of memory, navigate the health care system, and plan for their care in the future,” said CDC Director Robert R. Redfield, M.D..

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Kevin Matthews, Ph.D., health geographer and lead author of the study added that it’s important for people who think their daily lives are impacted by memory loss to discuss their concerns with a health care provider. Being assessed early on is key. This can make it easier for those in supportive roles to provide proper care.

According to the CDC, at present among people ages 65 and older, African Americans have the highest prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (13.8 percent). This is followed by Hispanics (12.2 percent), and non-Hispanic whites (10.3 percent), American Indian and Alaska Natives (9.1 percent), and Asian and Pacific Islanders (8.4 percent).

Photo credits: Nadino/Shutterstock.com

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