1 in 3 Seniors Dies with Alzheimer’s or a Dementia

Today, someone in America develops Alzheimer’s Disease every 68 seconds. By 2050, one new case of Alzheimer’s is expected to develop every 33 seconds, or nearly a million new cases per year, and the total estimated prevalence is expected to be 13.8 million.  The Alzheimer’s Association shared these eye-opening statistics, and more, in its “2013 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures.”  The Report warns that 1 in every 3 senior Americans dies with Alzheimer’s Disease or another type of dementia.  The sixth leading cause of death in the US, Alzheimer’s was reported as the underlying cause of death for 83,894 individuals – people who died from the disease.  Notably however, in 2013, the Report estimates that 450,000 Americans will die with Alzheimer’s – experiencing difficulties with mobility, swallowing properly, forgetting to take their medications, and being less able to communicate health issues with caregivers.  The Report points out that:  “between 2000 and 2010, the proportion of deaths resulting from heart disease, stroke, and prostate cancer decreased 16%, 23%, and 8%, respectively, whereas the proportion resulting from [Alzheimer’s Disease] increased 68%.”