An organization that provides in-home senior care, like Homewatch CareGivers, must understand and recognize that the prevalence of Dementia and Alzheimer’s in the United States, Chicago and up and down the north shore is rapidly increasing. When caring for Seniors, having helpful tips can be beneficial in guiding your loved ones to a healthier and more productive life. Alzheimer’s 2018 Facts and Figures states that the estimated number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s dementia comes from a study using the latest data from the 2010 U.S. Census and the Chicago Health and Aging Project (CHAP), a population-based study of chronic health conditions of older people.
An estimated 5.7 million Americans of all ages were living with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2018. This number includes an estimated 5.5 million people age 65 and older and approximately 200,000 individuals under age 65 who have younger-onset Alzheimer’s, though there is greater uncertainty about the younger-onset estimate. Millions of Americans have Alzheimer’s or other dementias. As the size and proportion of the U.S. population age 65 and older continue to increase, the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s or other dementias will grow. This number will increase rapidly in years to come, as the population of Americans age 65 and older is projected to grow from 53 million in 2018 to 88 million by 2050. One in 10 people (10 percent) age 65 and older has Alzheimer’s dementia.
- The percentage of people with Alzheimer’s dementia increases with age:
- 3% of people age 65-74
- 17% of people age 75-84
- 32% of people age 85 and older have Alzheimer’s dementia
- Of people who have Alzheimer’s dementia, 81% are age 75 or older
For additional information: https://www.alzheimersanddementia.com/action/showFullTextImages?pii=S1552-5260%2818%2930041-4
It is recognized today that MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) and Alzheimer’s begins many years before symptoms even appear. Outside of the research that has been done, many of those that would normally meet the diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer’s and other dementias are not diagnosed with dementia by a physician. It is a disease that is underdiagnosed and underreported leaving many Americans without the realization that they even have it. Looking to the future, many researchers believe that future treatments to slow or stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and preserve brain function will most effectively be administered in the early disease process. It is important to remember that those identified with early identification of Alzheimer’s symptoms, biomarker tests will be used to identify the individuals in the early stages that should receive specific treatments to assist in slowing or stopping the disease when such treatments are available.
The Homewatch CareGivers Alzheimer’s home care program has been designed to maintain overall independence and quality of life for clients living with memory impairments and associated behavioral issues. For more information on Living with Alzheimer’s Disease https://www.thehomecarespot.com/dementia-care/alzheimers-care
