You may have heard some of the frightening facts and figures about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, but do you know the latest information? Researchers discover more about Alzheimer’s every year, and some of the statistics are very interesting.

The Alzheimer’s Association publishes an annual report describing the complications and impacts of the disease on caregivers and the health care system. Here are the top three latest facts about Alzheimer’s that you should know.

Half of Adults Aged 85 and Over Have Alzheimer’s

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 45% of American seniors aged 85 and older have Alzheimer’s, and 1 in 10 people aged 65 and over (10%) have the disease and need Alzheimer’s care. It is the most common cause of dementia among older adults.

More Than Half of People with the Disease May Not Know It

Partly because it’s difficult to detect early-stage Alzheimer’s or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), many people with the disease remain undiagnosed. With research, our ability to detect early-stage Alzheimer’s is improving; however, this will increase the overall number of people known to have the disease and needing Alzheimer’s care.

More Women Have Alzheimer’s

The Alzheimer’s Association also says that nearly two-thirds of those suffering from Alzheimer’s are women. However, it is important to remember that this does not mean there is a gender-based predisposition for the disease; the primary reason for this statistic is that women generally live longer than men.

If you are considering Alzheimer’s care for yourself or a loved one, consider Eastern Star Masonic Retirement Campus in Denver, Colorado.  We have a highly trained and compassionate memory care staff and offer top-notch services to meet your needs. We understand that a person suffering from Alzheimer’s is still a whole person with their own individuality and unique background and we are equipped to offer them the specialized care they require.