Ageing can bring several physiological changes in the body. Decrease in muscle mass, bone density, reduced metabolism, changes in skin elasticity, and a decline in sensory functions, such as vision and hearing. What it can also do is cause alterations in your brain too. Forgetfulness is a common sign of ageing, which is usually benign. However, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder like Alzheimer's disease can lead to severe memory loss and cognitive decline, which can potentially be life-threatening.
Alzheimer’s is a non-curable disease. However, awareness of the illness encourages early diagnosis and intervention, enabling individuals to access treatments and support services that can improve their quality of life. On this World Alzheimer’s Day 2023, we at OnlyMyHealth try to lay down all the facts and figures around Alzheimer’s disease for you.
Also Read: Alzheimer’s Disease: How To Reduce Risk Of Memory Loss, Expert Explains
Alzheimer’s Disease Is The Most Common Type Of Dementia
Alzheimer's disease is the leading and most prevalent cause of dementia. Dementia is not a disease in itself, rather it is a broad term that involves a group of cognitive disorders characterised by a decline in memory, thinking, and overall cognitive function.
Alzheimer's disease specifically refers to a neurodegenerative condition in which abnormal protein deposits in the brain worsen memory and hamper a person’s thinking abilities. Other forms of dementia include:
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- Vascular dementia
- Lewy body dementia
- Mixed dementia, a combination of two or more types of dementia
- Huntington’s disease, a genetic disorder that causes progressive dementia
Disease Prevalence
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 5.5 crore people have dementia worldwide, with nearly one crore new cases every year.
Alzheimer disease is the most common form of dementia and may contribute to 60–70% of cases, says the global health body.
In America, as many as 50.8 lakh people were living with Alzheimer’s disease in 2020, says the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adding, "the number of people living with the disease doubles every 5 years beyond age 65."
In India, more than 80 lakh people older than 60 years have dementia, with an estimated prevalence of 7.4%, says a study published in the Journal of the Alzheimer's Association. It further reports that in 2010, the Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Society of India estimated that 30.7 lakh Indians had dementia and projected that this number would double by 2030.
Women More At Risk Of Alzheimer’s Than Men And Other Risk Factors
Women are at a greater risk of Alzheimer's disease than men, says a report by the Alzheimer's Association. According to the health body, more than 60 lakh Americans are living with Alzheimer's, of which two-thirds are women. It estimated that the lifetime risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease is 1 in 5 for women, whereas for men, it is half of that, at 1 in 10.
Other risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease include:
- A family history of Alzheimer's
- Repeated or severe head injuries
- Conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes
- Unhealthy habits like smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, and social isolation
- A lack of mental stimulation and social engagement
- Chronic depression or untreated mental health issues
- Conditions like sleep apnoea and chronic insomnia
- Certain environmental toxins and air pollution
- Lower levels of formal education
Not All Memory Problems Mean Alzheimer’s
Forgetfulness is one of the primary signs of Alzheimer's. However, not all people with memory issues have Alzheimer's, says the National Institute of Aging.
Other common causes of memory problems include ageing, medical condition, emotional issues, and mild cognitive impairment, which means changes that are noticeable but not severe enough to interfere significantly with daily life.
Not just Alzheimer’s, but other forms of dementia can also lead to memory problems.
Alzheimer's Is A Leading Cause Of Death
Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for about 1 in 3 deaths in people over 65, as per the Alzheimer's Association.
In 2019, 121,499 people died from Alzheimer’s disease in the United States, as per reports shared by the CDC.
A study, published in the Journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, found deaths due to Alzheimer's disease and other dementias increased from 5.6 lakhs in 1990 to 10.62 lakhs in 2019, nearly tripling in 30 years.
Most People With Alzheimer's Do Not Know They Have It
A significant number of people with Alzheimer's disease may not know they have the condition, especially in the early stages. This could be attributed to a condition called anosognosia. Anosognosia is a neurological condition, wherein a person is unable to recognise or acknowledge their own illness or disability. It often occurs in individuals with certain brain injuries or neurological disorders, such as stroke or Alzheimer's disease, leading them to be unaware of their impairments.
A study involving 127 patients, 94 of whom completed both assessments, found that a large majority of patients with Alzheimer's at the time of diagnosis showed significant anosognosia. "... this condition was associated with advanced age, lower educational level, and more marked behavioural symptoms," says the study.
Also Read: Dementia: Warning Signs One Should Never Ignore
No Cure For Alzheimer's Disease
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease. However, the existing treatments work towards improving the symptoms, such as memory loss and problems with thinking and reasoning.
In 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved lecanemab (Leqembi) for people with mild Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease.
The Alzheimer’s Association says, “Leqembi lowers beta-amyloid in the brain and reduces cognitive and functional decline in people living with early Alzheimer's. Individuals should talk with their health care provider to develop a treatment plan that is right for them, including weighing the benefits and risks of all approved therapies.”