Seven Statistics You Need to Know About Alzheimer’s

Six and a half million adults in the U.S. have Alzheimer’s disease. This number is snowballing and is expected to reach 12.7 million by 2050. Your dad has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and you’re not sure what will happen next. These seven statistics can help you better understand this form of dementia.

Women Have a Higher Risk

More women than men are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, but that doesn’t mean men don’t get the disease. At age 65, women have a 21.1% chance of getting the disease, while men have an 11.6% chance. The older you are, the higher the odds.

Five States Are Expected to See the Highest Increases

Using current increases and population growth, by 2025, Alaska, Arizona, Utah, Vermont, and Wyoming will see the most significant increases in Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Iowa, Missouri, New Jersey, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin are projected for minor increases.

Alzheimer’s Can Make Your Dad Want to Isolate

Your dad may want to stop seeing others. He’s frustrated and even embarrassed by his lack of memory retention, so he doesn’t want others to see him. Don’t be surprised if he refuses to leave the house to go shopping or visit others. Social events are stressful for him, so don’t push him if he doesn’t feel comfortable.

Eleven Million Americans Provide Unpaid Care to Someone With Alzheimer’s

If you’re caring for your dad, you’re not alone. In the U.S., 11 million unpaid caregivers, often adult children, care for a person with Alzheimer’s.

Forgetfulness Is a Small Part of the Disease

Most people think of Alzheimer’s as memory loss. Although, there’s a lot more to it.

60% will wander away at least once.
60% to 70% become incontinent.
25% to 33% become delusional or hallucinate.
5% to 10% become aggressive and violent.

Four to Eight Years Is the Average Lifespan

The average lifespan after diagnosis is four to eight years, but some people live up to 20 years with the disease. There’s also debate on how early Alzheimer’s starts. Some medical professionals feel the disease is present for as much as 20 years before the symptoms become apparent.

There Is No Cure

Alzheimer’s has no cure. Some medications can slow the symptoms, but their effectiveness is still debated. Plus, some medications can be costly, so you and your dad need to discuss the pros and cons with his medical team.

Alzheimer’s care is essential. You may think you can do everything your dad needs without anyone else helping out, but you’ll burn out. Arrange Alzheimer’s care aides to help out once a week so you can take a break. Above all, call an Alzheimer’s care specialist to arrange weekly respite care visits.

We provide services in Virginia’s Fairfax, Loudoun, Arlington, Prince William, Fauquier, Culpeper, Stafford, Winchester-Fredrick, Clarke, and Warren counties.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Alzheimer’s and Dementia Home Care in Herndon, please contact the caring staff at Care With Love today. 703-935-4070.

Sources:

https://www.alz.org/media/Documents/alzheimers-facts-and-figures.pdf

https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/wandering

http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/03/30/alzheimers.violence.caregiving/index.html

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/789595