The Alzheimer’s Association’s 2013 Facts and Figures Report reveals new and sobering statistics on the status of Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, and if you have it, you either die from it or
The Alzheimer’s Association’s 2013 Facts and Figures Report reveals new and sobering statistics on the status of Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, and if you have it, you either die from it or with it.
Today, one in every three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or other form of dementia. By 2025, the number of seniors with the disease is estimated to be more than 7 million, which constitutes a 40 percent increase from the 5 million who are now affected.
Although the death rates from other diseases — such as heart disease, HIV and stroke — have declined, Alzheimer’s disease rates continue to rise. From the year 2000 to 2010, the rate increased 68 percent. It is now the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the only leading cause without a way to cure or slow its progression. Sixty-one percent of 70 year olds with Alzheimer’s disease will be expected to die within a decade, whereas only 30 percent of 70-year-old persons without Alzheimer’s might be expected to die.
The financial burden of Alzheimer’s is enormous. In 2012, there were more than 15 million caregivers who provided more than 17 billion hours of unpaid care — valued at $216 billion. As the symptoms of Alzheimer’s worsen, the extra care required from the family can be devastating to the caregiver’s health as well. Due to the emotional and physical demands, Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers had an additional $9.1 billion in health care costs of their own in 2012.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association report, the total payments from the government are astronomical as well. The payments for health and long-term care for Alzheimer’s and other dementia patients will total $203 billion in 2013. Most of this, about $142 billion, will be paid out from Medicare and Medicaid. All frightening facts. So, what can you do to avoid dementia?
A very interesting study released in Nature Neuroscience (2012) has shown a connection between high-fat diets and neurogenesis and obesity in mice.
After a month of eating high-fat foods, the mice had four times the rate of new brain cell growth in the Hypothalamus, which is responsible for regulating many metabolic processes leading to obesity. This link between diet, obesity and the brain is a very thought-provoking connection.
Although the studies with mice are not conclusive as proof in humans, no one can deny that high-fat foods cause obesity and many other health problems in humans. It may just be that it leads to poor brain function as well.
I urge you to exercise strategically, get in shape, eat natural, wholesome foods and live a long, healthy, functional life.
• Jane Riley, M.S., B.A., C.P.T., Certified Nutritional Adviser, can be reached at janerileyfitness@gmail.com, 212-1451 or www.janerileyfitness.com.
