Alzheimer’s disease impacts more than six million Americans across all age groups, though nearly 75 percent of individuals living with Alzheimer’s are at least 75 years of age.

2. Alzheimer’s in the
United States
An estimated 55 million people worldwide live with
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Dementia is
not a related disease, but a general term used to describe a
large number of comparable conditions defined by impaired
cognitive function. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common
form of dementia, accounting for between 60 and 80
percent of all dementia cases.
Alzheimer’s disease impacts more than six million Americans
across all age groups, though nearly 75 percent of individuals
living with Alzheimer’s are at least 75 years of age. Women

3. are at greater risk, making up about two-thirds of the
Alzheimer’s population.
Alzheimer’s is not a standard aspect of natural aging
processes. Memory lapses and other minor instances of
cognitive decline may manifest as an individual gets older,
but Alzheimer’s disease represents degenerative cognitive
decline that makes it difficult, and ultimately impossible, to
independently manage a career or daily responsibilities; a
misplaced set of car keys should not be cause for concern,
but repeatedly losing one’s way during a standard drive
home from work should result in a trip to a personal physician.
Alzheimer’s disease can be broken down into stages, which
makes it easier to notice the development of symptoms.
During the earliest stage of the disease, individuals can still
function independently and may not recognize their
symptoms as anything beyond common forgetfulness.

4. However, friends and family may notice a person’s somewhat
frequent inability to remember names or certain words. While
misplacing objects can be an early symptom, it is more telling
if a person forgets something within a short period of time,
such as reading a short passage and immediately forgetting
the material.
While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are
medical and behavioral interventions that can slow
progression and otherwise render the condition more
manageable. This is particularly true during early stage
Alzheimer’s, making it all the more important to be wary of
examples of cognitive decline.
As the disease progresses to middle-stage Alzheimer’s,
individuals will require greater care and more consistent
attention. The abovementioned symptoms all persist and,
typically, become more pronounced and intrusive. As

5. individuals become more confused and reliant on others,
caregivers can expect to see a variety of mood swings and
challenging behaviors. As cognitive decline continues,
damaged nerve cells prevent individuals from concisely
expressing thoughts and feelings, which adds to frustration
and can make it difficult to communicate.
During the final stages of Alzheimer’s, individuals require
personal care 24 hours per day. Cognitive decline is so
pronounced at this point that it is not uncommon for a person
to completely lose context for and understanding of their
immediate surroundings, as well as people they have known
for their entire lives.
While Alzheimer’s disease is often associated with cognitive
difficulties, caregivers must also account for physical
challenges, which include problems walking, sitting, and even

6. swallowing. A person living with late stage Alzheimer’s is also
at increased for infections, particularly pneumonia.
Recognizing and treating these symptoms will only become
more important as time moves forward. Research indicates
that nearly 13 million Americans over the age of 65 will be
diagnosed with Alzheimer’s by 2050.