Alzheimer's disease: What you need to know

Approximately 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, including one in nine people aged 65 years and older, according to data from the Alzheimer’s Association.

These data also show that the number of people living with the disease is growing quickly as someone develops Alzheimer’s disease every 66 seconds in the United States. Furthermore, Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.

“These numbers will escalate rapidly in coming years, as the baby boom generation has begun to reach age 65 and beyond, the age range [at] greatest risk of Alzheimer's,” the Alzheimer’s Association wrote on their website. “By 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer's disease may nearly triple, from 5.2 million to a projected 13.8 million, barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent or cure the disease. Previous estimates based on high range projections of population growth provided by the U.S. Census suggest that this number may be as high as 16 million.”

To mark National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, Healio Internal Medicine has compiled a list of the latest, most relevant research on Alzheimer’s disease.

Functional decline in Alzheimer’s disease persists despite therapy

Patients with Alzheimer’s disease who received 2 years of home-based occupational therapy did not show improvements in functionality, according to research published in Annals of Internal Medicine. Read More.

Researchers develop blood test to detect early Alzheimer's disease

Researchers from the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine have developed a blood test that can detect the mild cognitive stage of Alzheimer's disease. Read More.

Smell test may be early predictor of dementia, Alzheimer's disease

Odor identification testing may detect cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease, according to evidence from two studies presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. Read More.

Comorbidity management not optimal in many patients with Alzheimer's disease, related dementias

Patients with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias do not have other medical conditions managed adequately, according to data presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. Read More.

Men more commonly misdiagnosed with Alzheimer's disease than women

Many men are not accurately diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease during their lifetime, according to data presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. Read More.