Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias can be emotionally and financially ruinous for people living with the disease, their caregivers and families, and society at large. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias have catastrophic healthcare, economic, and social impacts—and these impacts are rapidly growing.
Barron’s Magazine describes it as the “coming Alzheimer’s crisis;” The Economist describes the rising prevalence of dementia as “a global emergency.”
Someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s every 60 seconds. By 2050 this is projected to be every 33 seconds.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, a progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memories and thinking skills. Alzheimer’s often starts 5, 10, or even 20 years before symptoms appear. Symptoms usually start with difficulty remembering new information. In advanced stages, symptoms include confusion, mood and behavior changes, and inability to care for oneself and perform basic life tasks. Alzheimer’s is ultimately fatal.
The risks and ramifications extend beyond Alzheimer’s disease itself. People living with Alzheimer’s are twice as likely to get the COVID-19 virus than other people - and they also face accelerated cognitive decline from well-intended quarantine measures.
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