Alzheimer's Disease Statistics
Compared with nonsmokers, those who smoke are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia, a new Dutch study shows.
Alzheimer's disease and depression often go hand in hand. A diagnosis of Alzheimer's and the cognitive losses of the disease can be very depressing. Meanwhile, depression can cause symptoms that aggravate Alzheimer's: confusion, speech impairment, lethargy, and sleep problems.
About 4 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease.
About 2.7 million spouses, relatives, and friends care for people with Alzheimer's.
Some 19 million Americans say a family member has the disease.
About 37 million Americans say they know someone with Alzheimer's.
More than 70 percent of Alzheimer's sufferers live at home, not in nursing homes.
Half of all nursing home residents suffer from Alzheimer's disease or some other dementing illness.
10 Warning Signs of Early Alzheimer's Disease
Recent memory loss that affects job skills. It's normal to forget people's names from time to time, but frequent forgetfulness is cause for concern.
Difficulty performing familiar tasks. Anyone can leave a button unbuttoned. But when someone becomes persistently challenged by buttons, or other tasks of daily living most people take for granted, that's cause for concern.
Language problems. From time to time, anyone can have difficulty finding the right word. But when simple words present problems, or when sentences become incomprehensible, that might signal Alzheimer's.
Time and place disorientation. It's normal to forget the date or a destination. But people with Alzheimer's often feel lost standing across the street from their homes.
Loss of judgment. Anyone can fail to notice that an item of clothing is stained. But when someone dresses completely inappropriately--wearing several shirts or mistaking underwear for a hat--that's cause for concern.
Problems with abstract thinking. Anyone can struggle over balancing a checkbook. People with Alzheimer's forget what numbers are for and how to use them.
Misplacing things. Anyone can misplace a wallet or keys. But when someone puts a wallet in the refrigerator, or keys in the sink, that's cause for concern.
Changes in mood or behavior. Changing moods are a fact of life. But people with Alzheimer's often exhibit rapid mood changes--from calm to tears to rage--for no apparent reason.
Changes in personality. People often become more "crotchety" as they become elderly. But Alzheimer's often makes people paranoid, very confused, or fearful.
Loss of initiative. It's normal to get bored with daily activities. But when people lose much of their get-up-and-go, that's cause for concern.
Alzheimer’s Association
NINDS Alzheimer's Disease Information Page
Alzheimer's Family Relief Program
ALZwell Caregiver Support
AlzheimerForum
Coping with Alzheimer’s
  
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