Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease: A Growing Challenge
Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder, much like how coronary artery disease affects the heart. This condition is caused by damage to neurons, the brain cells essential for thinking, speaking, and movement. In Alzheimer’s, the neurons in areas responsible for memory, language, and thinking are the first to be affected, leading to noticeable issues in these areas as initial symptoms. While these symptoms may seem to emerge suddenly, the underlying changes in the brain are believed to begin 20 years or more before they become apparent. When these symptoms become severe enough to disrupt daily life, the condition is classified as Alzheimer’s dementia (Alzheimer’s Association, 2021).
Alzheimer’s disease is not just an issue for the elderly; younger individuals can also be affected, although it is less common. The prevalence of Alzheimer’s doubles every five years after age 65, with projections indicating that the number of people living with the disease will triple to 14 million by 2060. Typically, symptoms start to appear after age 60, and the risk increases with age (Aging, n.d).
A recent report sheds light on dementia rates among U.S. adults aged sixty-five and older, based on data from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey. In 2022, 4% of older adults reported a dementia diagnosis, with similar rates between men (3.8%) and women (4.2%). The prevalence of dementia increases with age—from 1.7% in those aged 65-74 to 13.1% in those aged eighty-five and older—and decreases with higher education levels, from 7.9% in those without a high school diploma to 2.2% in college graduates. Notably, the method of interview (whether conducted by phone or in person) did not significantly impact the results (Kramarow, 2024).
Hispanic and African American communities in the U.S. are expected to see the most significant increases in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias between 2015 and 2060. Dementia is a broad term encompassing conditions that impair memory, thinking, or decision-making, thereby affecting daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, currently affecting approximately 5.8 million people in the U.S., including 5.6 million aged sixty-five and older, and about 200,000 individuals with younger-onset Alzheimer’s (CDC, n.d).
Conclusion
Alzheimer’s disease is a growing public health challenge, particularly as the population ages. With its prevalence expected to rise significantly in the coming decades, especially among Hispanic and African American communities, understanding and addressing the factors that contribute to its development is crucial. Early detection, increased awareness, and targeted interventions will be essential in managing this disease and improving the quality of life for those affected. As research continues to advance, it remains vital to support efforts aimed at prevention, early diagnosis, and better treatments for Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
Author: Sepideh Farahiniya
Kramarow, E. A. (2024). Diagnosed dementia in adults aged sixty-five and older: united states, 2022. National Health Statistics Reports, 203, 1–9.
Minorities and Women Are at Greater Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease | CDC. (n.d.). Retrieved September 4, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/Alz-Greater-Risk.html.
About Alzheimer’s Disease | Aging. (n.d.). Retrieved September 4, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/aging/alzheimers-disease-dementia/about-alzheimers.html.
Alzheimer’s Association. (2021). 2021 Alzheimer’s disease data. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 17(3), 327–406. https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.12328