Every three seconds someone in the world is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, according to Alzheimer’s Disease International. Sept. 21 is World Alzheimer’s Day, a global effort to raise awareness and challenge the stigma around Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
While one in three adults dies of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia (more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined), much progress has been made in the fight to slow its progression.
There is no cure, but there are some drugs that can reduce or control cognitive decline in some patients. Last year, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Leqembi, a drug that works by reducing amyloid plaques that form in the brain, which are thought to play a central role in the development of Alzheimer’s.
While researchers don’t really know what causes Alzheimer’s, they believe it’s a combination of age-related changes in the brain combined with genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors.
The number of people with Alzheimer’s disease doubles about every five years beyond age 65. About one-third of all people 85 and older may have Alzheimer’s disease. It’s estimated that the annual global cost of dementia is now over $1.3 trillion and is expected to reach $2.8 trillion by 2030. Those costs are associated with care and treatment of Alzheimer’s patients.
A healthy diet and remaining active mentally and physically can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
Visit alzheimers.gov