In an effort to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s and Dementia, Geriatric House Call Dentistry is publishing resources we’ve found on the web from trusted sources. We hope you find this information as educational and informative as we did.
Dementia Key Facts from WHO:
Key facts
- Dementia is a syndrome in which there is deterioration in cognitive function beyond what might be expected from the usual consequences of biological aging.
- Although dementia mainly affects older people, it is not an inevitable consequence of aging.
- Currently, more than 55 million people live with dementia worldwide, and there are nearly 10 million new cases every year.
- Dementia results from a variety of diseases and injuries that primarily or secondarily affect the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and may contribute to 60-70% of cases.
- Dementia is currently the seventh leading cause of death among all diseases and one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people globally.
- Dementia has physical, psychological, social and economic impacts, not only for people living with dementia but also for their carers, families, and society at large.
- It is the most common type of dementia, accounting for around 60–80% of cases of dementia in the United States.
- Alzheimer’s disease affects around 5 million peoplein the U.S. Estimates suggest that this number will nearly triple by 2060.
- The condition usually affects people aged 65 years and over, with only 10% of cases occurring in people younger than this.
- This article provides an overview of Alzheimer’s disease, including its symptoms, causes, and possible treatment options.
