A recent study released by the Alzheimer’s Association reveals that there are more than 5 million Americans suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease (500,000 of which are under the age of 65 and suffer from early onset Alzheimer’s and other dementias) and someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s every 72 seconds.
The study also indicates that death rates for most major health problems, such as heart disease, breast cancer, colon cancer and strokes has declined significantly between 2000 and 2004. But deaths from Alzheimer’s has increased by 33% during the same time period. Does anyone agree with me that Alzheimer’s research should be the top priority for our nation’s healthcare sector?
Alzheimer’s in an issue that hits close to home for me because my grandmother was an Alzheimer’s patient before she passed away recently, and many of my clients have elderly family members suffering from the disease as well.
In light of the rapidly growing prevalence of Alzheimer’s in our society, it’s a good idea to educate yourself about this disease if you have elderly family members. If you can spot warning signs early-on then you can begin comprehensive treatment early, and earlier is always better. Please contact me offline if you would like a good referral for geriatric medical and psychiatric professionals in the Hartford County area. The Alzheimer’s Association is always an excellent source of information, and I will try to keep you up-to-date on Alzheimer’s research developments through this blog.