When speaking about Alzheimer’s Disease, people often believe that dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease are one in the same. In reality, Alzheimer’s is the disease while dementia, more accurately, describes the symptoms.

ALZHEIMER’S FACTS: 

➢ One new person in the United States develops Alzheimer’s Disease every 67 seconds

➢ The 6th leading cause of death in the United States is Alzheimer’s Disease

➢ Alzheimer’s Disease currently effects 5 million men and women

➢ Women account for almost 2/3 of the Americans with Alzheimer’s or dementia

➢ Women the age of 60 or older are two times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s in their lifetime than breast cancer

➢ Women constitute more than 60% of Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers

EARLY DETECTION IS IMPORTANT:

• Memory loss that interferes with daily life

• Difficulty with solving problems

• Difficulty completing tasks

• Confusion trouble understanding visual images

• Problems with speaking or writing words

• Misplacing things

• Poor judgment

• Withdrawal from work or social activities

• Changes in mood and personality

PREVENTION:

• Moderate physical activity

• Body weight management

• Increased intake of protective, brain healthy foods

Alzheimer’s Association: Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. (2014). Retrieved May, 2014, from www.alz.org