The Expected Changes In The Alzheimer’s Death Rate
Alzheimer’s, a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that robs people of their memory and causes cognitive decline, is the 6th leading cause of death in the US. This is according to a report put out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which also shows a sharp increase in death rates from the disease from 1999 to 2014.
According to the grim report, there has been a 55% increase in Alzheimer’s deaths from 16.5 deaths per 100,000 people to slightly more than 25 deaths per 100,000. In 2014 alone, Alzheimer’s was responsible for 3.6% of all deaths and this is only expected to rise in coming years.
Growing Public Health Problem
The CDC estimates that about 5.5 million people aged 65 and older have the disease and goes on to project that this number will have more than doubled by 2050. The increase in death rates is attributed to an aging population, earlier diagnosis as well as more reporting by physicians.
Since age is the greatest risk factor of Alzheimer’s, more people are at risk of getting this illness in future as majority of the population nowadays lives well into their 70s and 80s.
This is alarming news. The ramifications of the expected future increase in Alzheimer’s deaths are enormous especially when you consider the disease affects not only the patients but also their families or those providing care to them. Add the fact that Alzheimer’s can take years to progress from the mild to severe stages and that patients ultimately become bedridden and therefore completely dependent on caregivers in the disease’s later stages, and you begin to understand the burden placed on the families of those affected.
Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s disese has no known cure and its causes are also not well understood, further aggravating the public health concern. However, there’s some evidence that high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and adverse effects of some medications contribute to the disease.
While the increasing numbers of Alzheimer’s deaths are certainly depressing, it is hoped that the growing focus and research on the illness will reveal more on its occurrence as well as its prevention.
Get Help For Your Loved Ones
Although Alzheimer’s has no cure, some of its symptoms can be treated and the right memory care can improve a patient’s long-term prognosis. That is why we at Ashford Utah have a fully equipped memory care unit designed to service the special needs of those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. You can be sure that your loved one will receive the best care from our highly-skilled staff in this secure environment. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for more information about our memory care services. We’ll be glad to help you.
