What Is Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's is a degenerative brain disease caused by changes in the brain and cell damage. Over time the symptoms gradually worsen.
The early sign to look for in Alzheimer's is memory loss. Being able to remember new information will become difficult. Other signs of Alzheimer's include disorientation, confusion, and changes in behavior.
What Is Dementia?
Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia and may result from a unique global brain injury.
Dementia is defined as a decline in mental ability that interferes with activities of daily living (ADLs). Thinking, memory, and reasoning are affected by dementia.
Memory loss, trouble with speaking and writing, trouble planning or solving problems, being confused about the time or where you are, and changes in mood and personality are signs of dementia.
Memory loss is the most common indicator of dementia.
Facts About Alzheimer's & Dementia
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Worldwide, 55 million people are living with Alzheimer's and other dementias. By 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million.
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1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer's or another dementia. It kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.
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In 2023, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the nation $345 billion. By 2050, these costs could rise to nearly $1 trillion.
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Over 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer's or other dementias.
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About 1 in 9 people age 65 and older (10.7%) has Alzheimer's.
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Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's are women.
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Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease and the most common form of dementia.
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Dementia is not a specific disease. It's an overall term that describes a group of symptoms.
Stages Of Alzheimer's
Stage 1: Early-stage Alzheimer's (mild)
A person may function independently - drive, work, and partake in social activities but can feel like there are memory lapses (forgetting familiar words or the location of everyday objects).
Stage 2: Middle-stage Alzheimer's (moderate)
This is usually the longest stage and can last for many years as the disease progresses. As symptoms become more pronounced a greater level of care will be needed. Damage to nerve cells can lead to difficulty expressing thoughts, performing tasks, confusing words, frustration, or anger, and acting in unexpected ways.
Stage 3: Late-stage Alzheimer's (severe)
In the final stage, individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment, carry on a conversation, and, eventually, control movement. They may still say words or phrases, but communicating pain becomes difficult. As memory and cognitive skills continue to worsen, significant personality changes may take place and individuals need extensive care.
Stages Of Dementia
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Memory loss: misplacing items and forgetting recently learned information, conversations, names, etc.
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Disorientation to time: difficulty remembering the day of the week
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Speech impairments: trouble finding words
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Impaired sense of direction: difficulty holding directional capabilities and "being lost" in a familiar place or location
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Decision-making impairment: difficulties with typical decision-making, use of poor judgment, or even typical organizational skill impairment
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