People living with Alzheimer's increases

The amount of people living with Alzheimer's disease has increased to an estimated 5.3 million in the U.S., which is 100,000 more than a previous report, according to the Alzheimer's Association.


That number is expected to rise "in the coming years" as will the cost of Alzheimer's care, which the report estimates will hit $148 billion annually in direct and indirect costs for the disease and other forms of dementia.


Updated figures concerning the debilitating disease come from the 2009 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures, which compiles statistical information concerning dementia in this country.


Previously, the association estimated there were 5.2 million people living with the disease in the U.S.


The new report also states that every 70 seconds a person in the country develops Alzheimer's and that by the middle of this century, if nothing changes in treatments or medical advances, the rate will decrease to every 33 seconds.


Currently, there is no cure for the disease that can rob people of their memories.

However, most health officials and care providers suggest that early detection of the disease is the best overall defense.


Also, incorporating brain exercises, eating a healthy diet and getting daily exercise can help a person prolong the disease from developing.


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