Alzheimer's Strikes Women Harder Than Men: Report
And those over 60 twice as likely to get the brain disease than breast cancer
The impact of Alzheimer's is likely to increase as baby boomers age. If current trends continue, as many as 16 million Americans could have Alzheimer's by 2050 at a cost of $1.2 trillion (in current dollars) to the nation. That includes a 500 percent rise in Medicare and Medicaid spending and a 400 percent increase in out-of-pocket spending, the report predicted.
Even though Alzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, many people still don't understand it. For example, 24 percent of Americans mistakenly believe they're only at risk for Alzheimer's if it runs in their family.
"Despite being the nation's biggest health threat, Alzheimer's disease is still largely misunderstood. Everyone with a brain -- male or female, family history or not -- is at risk for Alzheimer's," Geiger said.
"Age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's, and America is aging. As a nation, we must band together to protect our greatest asset, our brains," she added.
The report appears in the March issue of Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association.
When a Loved One Has Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's Strikes Women Harder Than Men: Report
And those over 60 twice as likely to get the brain disease than breast cancer
The impact of Alzheimer's is likely to increase as baby boomers age. If current trends continue, as many as 16 million Americans could have Alzheimer's by 2050 at a cost of $1.2 trillion (in current dollars) to the nation. That includes a 500 percent rise in Medicare and Medicaid spending and a 400 percent increase in out-of-pocket spending, the report predicted.
Even though Alzheimer's disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, many people still don't understand it. For example, 24 percent of Americans mistakenly believe they're only at risk for Alzheimer's if it runs in their family.
"Despite being the nation's biggest health threat, Alzheimer's disease is still largely misunderstood. Everyone with a brain -- male or female, family history or not -- is at risk for Alzheimer's," Geiger said.
"Age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's, and America is aging. As a nation, we must band together to protect our greatest asset, our brains," she added.
The report appears in the March issue of Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association.
When a Loved One Has Alzheimer's
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