Alzheimer's Disease: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Management

This report delves into Alzheimer's disease, a significant public health concern, particularly in the United States. It highlights the disease's prevalence, with approximately 5 million Americans affected as of 2014, and projects a substantial increase by 2060. The report identifies age, genetics, and lifestyle factors such as education and diet as key risk factors. It also emphasizes the importance of early intervention and effective medical management to improve the quality of life for those affected, focusing on maintaining cognitive function and managing behavioral symptoms. The report underscores the progressive and irreversible nature of Alzheimer's, which leads to dementia if not treated properly, affecting memory and thinking skills. The report cites data and references to support its findings, providing a detailed overview of the disease's impact and associated factors.

Running head: PUBLIC HEALTH
PUBLIC HEALTH
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author note:

1PUBLIC HEALTH
Alzheimer’s disease is considered as one of the most common form of dementia that
is associated with minor memory loss condition that might further lead to loss of an
individual capability to respond and communicate within the surrounding. The physical and
psychological capability of an individual to carry out their daily activity of life is hampered.
In United States, it is estimated that approximately 5 million of American population were
suffering from the condition of Alzheimer disease in 2014 (Alzheimer’s, 2015). The initial
symptom of the disease appears after the age of 60 and further increases with age.
Age is considered as the major risk factor that leads to the condition of Alzheimer’s
disease. Researchers believe that an individual with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease
are under high risk of developing the condition, where genetics play a major role
(Alzheimer’s Association, 2018). The other associated factors that result in the condition of
Alzheimer’s disease are lack of education, environment, diet and heart related disorders or
stroke. It is estimated that by the year 2060 the total number of affected people due to
Alzheimer’s disease will rise up to 14 million (Taylor et al., 2017). It is believed that
effective medical management will assist the patient in enhancing their quality of life such as
maintaining the mental function of the patient and managing the behavioural symptoms.
Hence, it can be concluded that Alzheimer’s disease is an progressive and irreversible
disorder of brain, which slowly affect and destroy the thinking and memory skills of an
individual. The most common condition affecting the older population and is also considered
as one of the most fast growing health condition that h s affected approximately 5 million
People in America. Therefore, Alzheimer’s disease can eventually lead to dementia if not
treated properly on time.

2PUBLIC HEALTH
References
Alzheimer’s, A. (2015). 2015 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures. Alzheimer's & dementia:
the journal of the Alzheimer's Association, 11(3), 332.
Alzheimer's Association. (2018). 2018 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures. Alzheimer's &
Dementia, 14(3), 367-429.
Taylor, C. A., Greenlund, S. F., McGuire, L. C., Lu, H., & Croft, J. B. (2017). Deaths from
Alzheimer’s Disease—United States, 1999–2014. MMWR. Morbidity and mortality
weekly report, 66(20), 521.