Among American adults, Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death. In addition, Alzheimer’s disease also affects more than 5 million Americans and 8 million more people throughout the world. According to the U.S. Alzheimer’s Association, 1 in 8 people age 65 and older have Alzheimer’s disease.
The primary risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease is age. Research shows that the number of cases of Alzheimer’s disease doubles every 5 years in people over the age of 65. Victims of Alzheimer’s disease survive, on average, half as long as similarly aged adults who don’t have the disease.
When it comes to gender, more females develop Alzheimer’s disease than men. This is most likely due to the fact that women tend to live longer than men.
People with a family history of Alzheimer's are at higher than average risk for getting the disease.
Sources:
Alzheimer's Association. 19 Apr. 2011. Web. 22 Apr. 2011. <http://www.alz.org/index.asp>.
Alzheimer's Association. 19 Apr. 2011. Web. 22 Apr. 2011. <http://www.alz.org/index.asp>.
Simon, Harvey. "Alzheimer's Disease Background - Alzheimer's Disease Health Information - NY Times Health." Health News - The New York Times. 22 June 2010. Web. 16 Apr. 2011. <http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/alzheimers-disease/background.html>.
