Being a caregiver to a loved one is an incredibly rewarding experience, yet it's also a difficult one. And if your loved one has dementia, caregiving can be even more challenging. More than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for a family member or friend with dementia, a contribution to the nation valued at nearly $350 billion.
Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life, while Alzheimer's is a specific disease. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia.
Learning about the two terms and the difference between them is important and can empower individuals living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, their families and their caregivers.
Alzheimer's disease is a chronic condition that causes memory loss and confusion. An estimated 6.9 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease in 2024. 73% are age 75 or older.
As the disease worsens, people may experience other cognitive difficulties. Some signs of Alzheimer's disease include:
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia.
The cause of Alzheimer’s disease remains unknown, but researchers believe a number of environmental, lifestyle, and genetic factors may play a role.
Increasingly, chronic stress is being recognized as a risk factor.
In a recent study, researches determined that chronic stress may contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
In today's fast-paced world, the focus on health and longevity has never been more critical. Recent research sheds light on a compelling strategy to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease: embracing a plant-centric diet while moderating meat consumption.
Excessive alcohol use may put a person at risk of developing certain health problems relating to the brain. This may increase the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Scientists are on alert for changes in the H5N1 or bird flu virus that could signal it is adapting to spread among humans. The virus has caused serious, sometimes fatal, infections among people and has long been on the list of viruses with pandemic potential. Any expansion to a new mammal species is concerning.
