Demographics
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive form of dementia that affects millions of people around the world. Although anyone can develop Alzheimer’s, it is most commonly seen in people over 65 years of age. It is estimated that up to 5.8 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer's disease. Of those 5.8 million, an estimated 5.6 million are age 65 and older, and approximately 200,000 are under age 65. Studies have shown that the risk of developing Alzheimer's increases with age.
Risk Factors
In addition to age, there are a number of other risk factors that can increase an individual’s chances of developing Alzheimer's. These include a family history of the disease, head trauma, cardiovascular disease, and Down syndrome. Research has also suggested that women may be at a higher risk for developing Alzheimer's than men.
Prevention
Although there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing the disease. These include staying physically active, eating a healthy diet, managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, engaging in social activities, and challenging the brain with learning activities.