New Alzheimer's report offers a reality check, plus some 'what if's'

"Clearly, the ultimate goal is to have treatments that completely prevent or cure Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias -- eventually resulting in a world without these conditions. Yet, as this report illustrates,
even modest and, perhaps, more readily available treatments could prove to be tremendously valuable."

So states the introduction to a new report from the Alzheimer's Assn., "Changing the Trajectory of Alzheimer's Disease: A National Imperative."

The analysis offers an array of stark statistics and estimates. Among them:

-- The number of Americans age 65 and older who have, or will have, Alzheimers disease in 2010: 5.1 million.
-- The number of Americans age 65 and older who have, or will have, Alzheimers disease in 2050: 13.5 million.

-- The total annual costs of caring for people with Alzheimers in 2010: $172 billion.
-- The total annual costs of caring for people with Alzheimers in 2050: $1.08 trillion.

And then the report gets interesting.

If we were to prove capable of delaying the age of onset by five years -- and if that measure began to work by 2015 -- we could decrease the total number of 65-and-older Americans with the disease by 5.8 million by 2050, the report states. 

If we were to prove capable of delaying progression of the disease, more Americans would actually have the disease by 2050 than would otherwise be the case, but care costs would be cheaper.

Multiple cost and disease estimates ensue. And though the report paints picture that's far from sunny, it does suggest what incremental progress can achieve. And, at this point in our fight against Alzheimer's, we'll take it.

Here's the full Alzheimer's report. And here's a look at the current state of Alzheimer's research, as described by the National Institute on Aging. Note the link to clinical trials.

-- Tami Dennis

Photo credit: Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Norma Terrigno]

After looking at the side effects caused by the medications available to patients in the early stages of Alzheimer's I can understand why many would not want to subject their bodies to nausea plus more! What is interesting is that the vaccinations have not proven completely safe for many thus making the "cure" unavailable. We also do not have a cure for cancer. Even with modern science we do not have all the answers. What we do have is the knowledge that alternative forms of medication may be the road to follow to prevent the disease. In addition we know that consumption of cruciferous vegetables reduce the risk by 42%. For persons like myself of almost age 60 who have a family history of Alzheimer's Disease, any future breakthroughs are a welcome gift. All of us seek a quality of life that brings joy. None of us wish to be a burden on our families.

[caregiversUSA]

Alzheimer’s and Dementia are devastating diseases not only for the patient but also the families and caregivers who love them. For those caring for a family member who suffers from either disease keep in mind there is help out there for you. Adult day care is a great option for caregivers giving them a break while knowing their loved one is being properly cared for. Active Day (http://www.activeday.com) has a nationwide network of medical adult day care facilities and is a wonderful place for socialization, hot healthy meals, and medical and therapy administration if needed. Consider adult day care for your loved one. It is a fantastic alternative to a nursing home or expensive assisted living center, and will provide caregivers a much deserved break from their very busy days.

[Jane]

This is scary but I try to eat healthy and do my best. I also heard aluminum (which is found in many deodorants) has been linked to Alzheimer's.