By Dr. Macie Smith
Alzheimer’s disease is often talked about, but many people are surprised when they learn the real facts behind it. At SYNERGY HomeCare, we’re committed to spreading awareness and providing compassionate support for families navigating this journey.
Here are five surprising facts you may not know about Alzheimer’s disease.
1. Alzheimer’s Is More Common Than You Think
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. Over 11 million family members are providing an estimated 18 billion (yes, BILLION!) hours of unpaid care each year. These numbers remind us that Alzheimer’s isn’t just a medical issue, it’s also a family and community issue that impacts millions of lives.
2. Age Is the Greatest Risk Factor
While Alzheimer’s can affect people at different ages, the risk increases with age. Every day, 10,000 Baby Boomers turn 65, and by 2030, there will be more than 70 million people over the age of 65 in the U.S. With people living longer, the number of Alzheimer’s cases will continue to rise, making age the single biggest risk factor.
3. New Treatments Are Changing the Outlook
For years, Alzheimer’s treatments only managed the symptoms, but now there is progress. In 2023, the FDA approved Lecanemab (Leqembi), the first treatment to target and remove beta-amyloid from the brain, helping slow cognitive decline in people with early Alzheimer’s. These new treatments address more than just the symptoms.
4. Early Diagnosis Is More Possible Than Ever
Doctors now can use CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans to detect brain changes earlier than before. Also now there are emerging blood tests that can detect Alzheimer’s-related proteins more than a decade before symptoms appear. This means patients may soon have the chance to begin treatment earlier, improving their quality of life and slowing disease progression.
5. Up to 40% of Dementia Cases May Be Preventable
While there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s yet, research shows that about 40% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed through lifestyle changes. Eating a brain-healthy diet (like the Mediterranean or DASH diet), exercising regularly, staying social, managing chronic illnesses, and even learning can all reduce risk. The choices we make every day truly matter for brain health.
Alzheimer’s is a challenging diagnosis, but from promising new treatments to lifestyle habits that protect brain health, families have more tools than ever before to face this disease.
At SYNERGY HomeCare, we provide personalized memory care built on compassion, dignity, and support for both clients and their families. If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, we are here to help.
Call us today at 877-432-2692 or visit SYNERGY HomeCare to learn more about our Memory Care program and how we can walk alongside you in this journey.
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SYNERGY HomeCare offers no obligation home assessments. Find a location near you or contact us to learn how we can provide additional support to you and your loved ones.
Dr. Macie P. Smith is a licensed gerontology social worker who is focused on helping families support their aging loved ones through long-term care. Specifically, Dr. Smith educates caregivers on how to care for seniors with dementia. She is an advocate for specialized care and assists others in finding a way to provide a better quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Dr. Smith has dedicated over 22 years of her life working in gerontology and assisting families in finding personalized solutions for dementia care. For more articles by Dr. Macie Smith, click here.
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