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Alzheimer’s Association Facts And Figures 2021

Alzheimer’s Disease Facts And Figures 2021

2021 Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures report

2021 Alzheimers Disease Facts and Figures is a statistical resource for U.S. data related to Alzheimers disease, the most common cause of dementia. Background and context for interpretation of the data are contained in the overview. Additional sections address prevalence, mortality and morbidity, caregiving and use and costs of health care, long-term care and hospice.

A Special Report addresses Race. Ethnicity and Alzheimer’s in America.

Please follow this link to read the full report.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research to provide and enhance care and support for all affected and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

Risk Factors And Prevention

Although age is the strongest known risk factor for dementia, it is not an inevitable consequence of biological ageing. Further, dementia does not exclusively affect older people young onset dementia accounts for up to 9% of cases. Studies show that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline and dementia by being physically active, not smoking, avoiding harmful use of alcohol,controlling their weight, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining healthy blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Additional risk factors include depression, social isolation, low educational attainment, cognitive inactivity and air pollution.

Is There A Cure For Dementia

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease or any other type of dementia. Dementia research is desperately underfunded. There are not enough dementia researchers or clinicians.

While new treatments are being developed with increasing speed, they are not coming quickly enough for people affected by dementia now. We are at a tipping point in dementia research we have made huge progress in recent years, but this could grind to a halt without investment.

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Growing Numbers Of People With Alzheimers In The Us

About 6.2 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimers disease. Of the total U.S. population, more than 1 in 9 people age 65 and older has Alzheimers. The percentage of people with Alzheimers increases with age: 5.3% of people ages 65 to 74, 13.8% of people ages 75 to 84, and 34.6% of people 85 and older.

Alzheimers Is The Only Top

North Carolina Alzheimers Disease 2021 Facts and Figures Report ...
  • 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimers or another dementia, killing more than breast and prostate cancer combined.
  • Alzheimers disease is listed as the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. States, but it may cause more deaths than is recognized by official sources.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic caused Alzheimers deaths to increase by approximately 16% more than expected.
  • Deaths due to Alzheimers between 2000 and 2019 have more than doubled, increasing 145%. During the same time period, deaths from heart disease increased 7.3%.

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Its The Most Common Form Of Dementia

Alzheimers disease is the most common form of dementia. The term dementia is used to define brain diseases related to memory loss and diminished cognitive skills. Alzheimers disease is probably the most recognized type, but there are other types of dementia.

They include:

  • dementia caused by Parkinsons disease
  • dementia caused by Huntingtons disease

Stats from 2022 estimate that there are more than 6.5 million people with Alzheimers disease in the United States.

What Does Alzheimers Society Do To Support Dementia Research

Alzheimers Society is a vital source of support and a powerful force for change for everyone affected by dementia.

Alzheimers Societys funded research aims to improve diagnosis, develop new treatments, and improve care and support for people living with dementia.

As a founding funder of the UK Dementia Research Institute , Alzheimer’s Society remains a proud funding partner of the Institute.

Read Also: How To Tell If Someone Is Developing Alzheimer’s

Support For Family And Friends

Currently, many people living with Alzheimers disease are cared for at home by family members. Caregiving can have positive aspects for the caregiver as well as the person being cared for. It may bring personal fulfillment to the caregiver, such as satisfaction from helping a family member or friend, and lead to the development of new skills and improved family relationships.

Although most people willingly provide care to their loved ones and friends, caring for a person with Alzheimers disease at home can be a difficult task and may become overwhelming at times. Each day brings new challenges as the caregiver copes with changing levels of ability and new patterns of behavior. As the disease gets worse, people living with Alzheimers disease often need more intensive care.

You can find more information about caring for yourself and access a helpful care planning form.

Alzheimers Is A Global Crisis That Requires A Global Solution

Alzheimer’s Association 2022 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures

It is a grave threat to the worlds health and finances if not stopped. About 50 million people worldwide have some form of dementia, and someone in the world develops dementia every three seconds.

When the world has faced catastrophic challenges before, nations have marshaled significant resources behind clear goals and objectives to achieve great things. For example, the world committed to ambitious, aggressive, and well-funded efforts to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Those efforts have paid significant dividends in lives saved and economic development fostered.

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What To Do If You Suspect Alzheimers Disease

Getting checked by your healthcare provider can help determine if the symptoms you are experiencing are related to Alzheimers disease, or a more treatable conditions such as a vitamin deficiency or a side effect from medication. Early and accurate diagnosis also provides opportunities for you and your family to consider financial planning, develop advance directives, enroll in clinical trials, and anticipate care needs.

Journey Through The Diagnosis Of Dementia

The World Alzheimer Report 2021 includes over 50 essays from leading experts from around the world and is supported by findings from 3 key global surveys, which received responses from 1,111 clinicians, 2,325 people with dementia and carers, and over 100 national Alzheimer and dementia associations.

  • Date:21st September 2021
This report focuses on the crucial and timely subject of diagnosis. Diagnosis is still a major challenge globally, with those who seek a diagnosis often experiencing long wait times, if they are able to receive a diagnosis at all. Societal stigma, self-stigma and clinician related stigma also exacerbate what is already a difficult journey.

With this report, we explore this diagnosis journey through the lens of those living with dementia and carers, clinicians, researchers and academics, and Alzheimer and dementia associations, as well as what can and must be improved.

In the report foreword, ADI CEO Paola Barbarino writes:

Dementia is now the 7th leading cause of mortality globally and, as we know from previous World Alzheimer Reports, one of those with the highest cost to society. There is a perfect storm gathering on the horizon and governments all over the world should get to grips with it.

World Alzheimer Report 2021: Chapter overviews

Chapter 1: What is dementia, why make a diagnosis and what are the current roadblocks?

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What Is Known About Reducing Your Risk Of Alzheimers Disease

The science on risk reduction is quickly evolving, and major breakthroughs are within reach. For example, there is growing evidence that people who adopt healthy lifestyle habits like regular exercise and blood pressure management can lower their risk of dementia. There is growing scientific evidence that healthy behaviors, which have been shown to prevent cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, may also reduce risk for subjective cognitive decline. To learn more about the current state of evidence on dementia risk factors and the implications for public health, please read the following summaries on Cardiovascular Health, Exercise, Diabetes and Obesity, Traumatic Brain Injury , Tobacco and Alcohol, Diet and Nutrition, Sleep, Sensory Impairment, and Social Engagement or the Compiled Report .

Aging

Alzheimers Disease In Women

North Carolina Alzheimers Disease 2021 Facts and Figures Report ...

Rates of Alzheimers disease are significantly higher in women, according to a report from the Alzheimers Association. The report, which grouped participants into men and women, estimated that the lifetime risk of developing Alzheimers disease is 1 in 5 for women. For men, the rate is half of that, at 1 in 10.

In the United States, there are 4 million women and 2.5 million men living with Alzheimers disease.

One of the reasons for higher rates in women is that women tend to live longer. Age is considered the biggest risk for developing Alzheimers disease. Another theory is that women born before 1950 didnt typically have as much formal education as men. Lower levels of education are associated with higher rates of Alzheimers disease.

Alzheimers disease seems to progress more quickly in women than it does in men. Research suggests that women often receive a diagnosis at later stages. Typically, women have an advantage over men when it comes to memory and recall. Its possible that changes in memory are because they could still be within a normal range on standard tests.

There may be some associations between hormonal changes over the life cycle and Alzheimers disease. Several have shown a link between earlier menopause and greater odds of developing Alzheimers disease.

Its also possible that theres something else at play that puts people at risk of both hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and Alzheimers disease in later life.

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When It Was Discovered

A German doctor named Alois Alzheimer first observed Alzheimers disease in 1906. He described a patient known as Auguste D. who had memory loss and other problems with thinking.

After the patients death, Dr. Alzheimer noted that parts of the patients brain were shrunken. A psychiatrist who worked with Dr. Alzheimer named the condition in 1910.

Alzheimers Disease And Education

Theres an association between higher education levels and a lower risk of Alzheimers disease. More formal education may shape the brain differently starting from a young age. Learning new things creates more connections between neurons and may make the brain more resistant to damage.

Its also possible that the higher income that often comes with more education may lower the risk of Alzheimers disease.

Its never too late to learn something new and expand your social networks. Doing group activities or having more social contacts may also lower your risk.

Consider the following things that are especially good for your brain:

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How Many People In The Uk Have Dementia

A report in 2019, commissioned by Alzheimers Society from the London School of Economics and Political Science , set out estimates for the number of people with dementia and the cost of dementia care in the UK with projections to 2040.The report found:

  • There are currently around 900,000 people with dementia in the UK. This is projected to rise to 1.6 million people by 2040.
  • 209,600 people will develop dementia this year, thats one every three minutes.
  • 70 per cent of people in care homes have dementia or severe memory problems.
  • There are over 42,000 people under 65 with dementia in the UK. This is known as young-onset dementia.
  • More than 25,000 people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups in the UK are affected by dementia.

In April 2022, the monthly death statistics for England, released by the Office for National Statistics , reported dementia and Alzheimers disease as Englands biggest killer. Deaths from dementia in Wales remain high compared with other major diseases.

New Alzheimers Association Report Examines Racial And Ethnic Attitudes On Alzheimers And Dementia Care

Alzheimers Associations 2021 report focuses on discrimination of patients, caregivers

Findings from two national surveys appearing in the Alzheimers Association 2021 Alzheimers Disease Facts and Figures report reveal that discrimination is a barrier to Alzheimers and dementia care. More than one-third of Black Americans and nearly one-fifth of Hispanic Americans and Asian Americans , believes discrimination would be a barrier to receiving Alzheimers care. In addition, half or more of non-White caregivers say they have experienced discrimination when navigating health care settings for their care recipient.

The 2021 Facts and Figures report provides an in-depth look at the latest national statistics on Alzheimers prevalence, incidence, mortality, costs of care and impact on caregivers. New disease-related statistics for North Carolina revealed the following:

  • Number of North Carolina residents aged 65 and older living with Alzheimers: 180,000
  • Estimated number of North Carolina residents living with Alzheimers in 2025: 210,000
  • Percentage change: 16.7 % increase
  • Statewide deaths from Alzheimers disease : 4,508
  • Number of North Carolina residents serving as unpaid family caregivers: 358,000
  • Total hours of unpaid care provided: 517 million
  • Total value of unpaid care: $7.3 billion

For the first time, the accompanying special report, Race, Ethnicity and Alzheimers in America, examines perspectives and experiences of Asian, Black, Hispanic, Native and White Americans in regard to Alzheimers and dementia care.

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Q/a: The Alzheimers Association Report: 2021 Alzheimers Disease Facts And Figures

The Alzheimers Association report, titled 2021 Alzheimers Disease Facts and Figures, provided an annual overview of the latest national statistics and information on prevalence, incidence, mortality and morbidity, costs of care and care. , both nationally and state by state. State.1 For the first time, an accompanying special report, Race, Ethnicity and Alzheimers in America, examined the perspectives and experiences of Asian, Black, Hispanic, Native and White patients in the care of Alzheimers disease. Alzheimers and Dementia in the United States.2 It is one of the few reports to investigate the experiences of various caregivers.

The findings of the special report revealed that discrimination is a barrier to care for Alzheimers disease and dementia. Over 36% of black patients and 18% of Asian patients believe that discrimination is a barrier to managing Alzheimers disease. In addition, at least half of non-white caregivers report experiencing discrimination when navigating health facilities for their care recipient.

We spoke to Carl V Hill, PhD, MPH, Alzheimers Association Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion about the findings of the Alzheimers Association special report.

Continue reading

In your opinion, what is the most surprising or alarming data found in the facts and figures of the special report Race, Ethnicity and Alzheimers in America?

What efforts are underway to create more culturally appropriate care?

The references

Alzheimers Disease Is A Leading Cause Of Death

The Alzheimers Association states that Alzheimers disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. About 1 in 3 people over 65 years die with Alzheimers disease or another form of dementia.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 121,499 people died from Alzheimers disease in the United States in 2019. This number may not be very accurate, as its based on the official cause of reported death. Other health conditions are often made worse in a person with Alzheimers disease. This can reduce life expectancy.

Only heart disease, cancer, some respiratory diseases, stroke, and accidents caused more deaths than Alzheimers disease.

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What Is The Burden Of Alzheimers Disease In The United States

  • Alzheimers disease is one of the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States.2
  • The 6th leading cause of death among US adults.
  • The 5th leading cause of death among adults aged 65 years or older.3

In 2020, an estimated 5.8 million Americans aged 65 years or older had Alzheimers disease.1 This number is projected to nearly triple to 14 million people by 2060.1

In 2010, the costs of treating Alzheimers disease were projected to fall between $159 and $215 billion.4 By 2040, these costs are projected to jump to between $379 and more than $500 billion annually.4

Death rates for Alzheimers disease are increasing, unlike heart disease and cancer death rates that are on the decline.5 Dementia, including Alzheimers disease, has been shown to be under-reported in death certificates and therefore the proportion of older people who die from Alzheimers may be considerably higher.6

Special Report Examines Racial And Ethnic Attitudes

New Alzheimers Association survey shows impact of disease on families ...

FROM THE WISCONSIN CHAPTER OF THE ALZHEIMERS ASSOCIATION

MILWAUKEE, WI, Findings from two national surveys appearing in the Alzheimers Association 2021 Alzheimers Disease Facts and Figures report that the Alzheimers burden across the country continues to grow. This year 1 in 9 Americans 65 and older or 6.2 million people in the U.S. are living with Alzheimers or dementia. There are 120,000 Wisconsin residents living with Alzheimers.

The new Facts and Figures report shows that Alzheimers disease and other dementias continue to be a significant burden for too many Wisconsin families, said Wendy Betley, senior program director, Alzheimers Association Wisconsin Chapter. We must continue to work toward advancing new treatments that can stop or slow the progression of Alzheimers, while also continuing to provide care and support services to help all those affected.

Alzheimers disease-related statistics for Wisconsin revealed the following:

  • Number of Wisconsin residents aged 65 and older living with Alzheimers: 120,000
  • Estimated number of Wisconsin residents living with Alzheimers in 2025: 130,000
  • Percentage change: 8.3%
  • Statewide deaths from Alzheimers disease : 2,390
  • Number of Wisconsin residents serving as unpaid family caregivers: 196,000
  • Total hours of unpaid care provided: 204,000,000
  • Total value of unpaid care: $3,386,000,000

2021 Alzheimers Disease Facts and Figures: At a Glance

Prevalence, Incidence and Mortality

Caregiving

Cost of Care

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