By Tracy Fischer, Dunn County ADRC Manager
President Ronald Regan initiated the observance of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month in 1983 to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and get people involved in the recognition of the diseases as well as the types of care required by someone suffering from it.
An estimated 47 million people around the world are living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and if a change doesn’t come by 2030, this number will grow to 76 million.
Below are five facts that you may not have known about Alzheimer’s disease.
1. Each second counts
A person develops Alzheimer’s disease in the United States every 65 seconds.
2. Caregivers
In America, more than 16 million people take care of family or friends with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and that, too, without pay.
3. A leading disease
In the U.S., Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death and 6.2 million of those living with Alzheimer’s disease are over 65.
4. One out of three deaths
Alzheimer’s or other dementia kills one in three seniors and deaths due to this disease are more than prostate cancer and breast cancer combined.
If you, or someone you know, has questions about Alzheimer’s Disease, other dementias or brain health, please feel free to contact us at the Dunn County ADRC for more information. We can set up a time for you to have a free memory screening or to connect you with our Dementia Care Specialist, Carla Berscheit, for more involved questions. We are here to help!
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