Some quick facts about Alzheimer's Disease

From
Alzheimer Society

•At present there are approximately 500,000 people in Canada living with Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementia.

•1 in 11 people over 65 years of age are living with it or related dementia.
•Of the half a million people approx. 71,000 are under age of 65 and appro. 50,000 are under 60.
•Women make up 72% of the 500,000.
•It is estimated that in the next 25 years the number of Canadians with the disease or a related dementia could more than double to 1-1.3 million.

•Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 64% of all dementias in Canada. Symptoms include a gradual and continuing decline of memory, changes in judgement or reasoning, mood and behaviour and the inability to perform familiar tasks.
•36% of Canadians know someone with Alzheimer’s Disease.
•17% of Canadians have someone with Alzheimer’s Disease in their immediate family.

•Alzheimer’s Disease is the second most feared disease for Canadians as they age.
•Researchers are confident that within five to seven years there will be treatments that attack the disease process itself and not just the symptoms.
•This year a study revealed that while the majority of people with the disease are over 65, the numbers of younger people in their 50s and early 60s being diagnosed is growing rapidly.
•Extensive research has shown no link between aluminum and Alzheimer’s Disease.
•Although genetics play a role in the disease only five to seven percent of people diagnosed have the inherited form of it.
•Earlier diagnosis, access to better treatment and a greater understanding of the disease are changing the lives of people with the disease. Many people continue to lead active and meaningful lives long after diagnosis.