The Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report says the disease is poised to strike one out of eight baby boomers. “The 2008 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures shows the tremendous impact this disease is having in Wisconsin and nationwide. With over 100,000 people with Alzheimer’s disease living in Wisconsin today and with the prevalence expected to grow to 110,000 by 2010, now is the time to develop an effective blueprint to deal with this disease,” said Tom Hlavacek, Executive Director, Alzheimer’s Association of Southeastern Wisconsin.
Today, as many as 5.2 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, the sixth leading cause of death in the country and a leading cause of death for those over age 65. Additionally, numerous statistics convey the burden Alzheimer’s imposes on individuals, families, government, business, and the nation’s health and long term care systems. For example,
• Every 71 seconds, someone in America develops Alzheimer’s disease; by mid-century someone will develop Alzheimer’s every 33 seconds.
• By 2010, there will be almost a half million new cases of Alzheimer’s disease a year; and by 2050, there will be almost a million new cases each year.
• Women are nearly twice as likely as men to develop Alzheimer’s disease (17 percent vs. 9 percent). One in six women and one in ten men age 55 and older can expect to develop Alzheimer’s disease in their remaining lifetime. Although it may appear that being female is a risk factor, more women will develop Alzheimer’s because on average, women live longer than men, thereby having more time to develop the disease.
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information and local resources, visit www.alz.org/sewi.
