Alzheimer's and Dementia Patients Increase Among the Oldest Generation

Ivanhoe Broadcast News

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- The number of Alzheimer's and Dementia patients over 90 years old is growing at a rapid pace, affecting both our oldest generation and their family's finances.

Previous epidemiological studies suggested the number of patients with Alzheimer's and Dementia began to level off or even decrease among our oldest age band of 90 years and older. However, new research including more than 2,100 participants 80 years and older suggests the number of patients, both new cases and previously diagnosed, is continuing to rise among the oldest population.

"The number of people affected by Alzheimer's and dementia is growing at an epidemic pace, and the skyrocketing financial and personal costs will devastate the world's economies and healthcare systems, and far too many families," William Thies, PhD, chief medical and scientific officer at the Alzheimer's Association was quoted as saying.

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Prevention methods are already underway. Many drugs in the late stages for clinical trial are offering promising hope to slow and stop Alzheimer's progression. New drugs combine

SOURCE: Alzheimer's Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease in Vienna, July 13, 2009

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